Do Testers Need a Thick Skin? Or Should We Admit We’re Simply Human?

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick me. Nicola Sedgwick Tester, Test Manager, Test Coach, Agile Team Member, etc.

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“there’s a bug in production” bug.

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“there’s a bug in production” “was this tested?” bug.

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“there’s a bug in production” “was this tested?” “what did i miss?” bug.

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“there’s a bug in production” “was this tested?” “what did i miss?” “how serious is this problem?” bug.

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“there’s a bug in production” “was this tested?” “what did i miss?” “how serious is this problem?” “how could i have let this happen?” bug.

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we KNOW no-one is placing blame we KNOW our testing process isn’t flawed we KNOW the team did everything ‘right’ rational.

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who will trust my testing of the fix? it’s my fault! i’m going to get fired!!! irrational.

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do testers need a thick skin? or should we admit we’re simply human?

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick easy. “i found a bug by just opening a page and looking at it - i could be a tester”

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick testers. [Images from Software Testing Club]

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick perceptions. playing devil’s advocate providing information questioning bug advocacy

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick value. • “now you’re just nit-picking” • “you’re too critical” • “why not ignore it this once” • “those aren’t REAL bugs” • “but you’re just a tester” • “testers always complain” • “you’re never satisfied” • “testers are just so negative”

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick impact. [Yerkes-Dodson law]

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick skin. self-esteem: a feeling of having respect for yourself and your abilities imposter syndrome: a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. confidence: a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something burn out: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration

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coral.

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick starting point. new child marriage bereavement house move

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fight or flight.

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick fighting your corner

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick exhaustion.

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“Thank you for refusing to be ignored - I’d given up highlighting the issue as it just seemed to fall on deaf ears.” vindication.

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick caring. vocal invested involved passionate

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick manifesto. Individuals and interactions

over processes and tools Working software over comprehensive documentation Customer collaboration over contract negotiation Responding to change over following a plan Extract from Manifesto for Agile Software Development

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guard.

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick self-help. • eat healthily • sleep properly • get some fresh air • relax your jaw • take regular breaks • don’t dwell on problems • get some exercise • reduce screen time

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick de-stress.

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick cope. 1. get away; get outside 2. headphones 3. mentors & peers 4. cap your workload

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick inspiration

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick realise. is one perfect no

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motto.

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#testbash @nicolasedgwick grow. collaborate share the workload and gain appreciation of other roles heal yourself delivery of information and opinion changes based on mood or situation mirror lead by example - treat others with respect and expect same in return involved be an active team member not a passive information provider

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young “i know everything” developer who knew everything and expected testers to simply validate functions on real devices improve.

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became a young respected developer fully collaborating with the team, offering assistance to colleagues regardless of role differences and thinking ahead from the outset. improve.