My Favourite #TestFlix 2023 talk
TestFlix is the annual #flagship event of The Test Tribe every year. Atomic talks are delivered on various topics. In the 2023 edition this was my favourite talk. It was given by Ingo Philipp. These are my notes of the talk.
Many testers struggle with conveying the true value of their work to management. To help bridge this gap, let’s explore eight principles that will guide testers in effectively communicating the value of testing.
- The Principle of Selling
Selling isn’t just about pushing products; it’s about solving problems and providing value. For testers, selling means demonstrating how testing contributes to the overall success of a project. To do this effectively, testers must understand their audience—their “buyers.” This involves knowing what management values and aligning testing objectives with those needs. By demonstrating how testing supports business goals, testers can transform testing from a technical process into a strategic asset.
- The Principle of Targeting
Understanding your audience is crucial, and in the world of software development, there are various tiers to consider. The first tier includes those within the immediate development circle, such as developers, product owners, and UX designers. The second tier involves middle management, while the third tier consists of senior executives like CTOs. Additionally, there’s a “bonus audience” that includes departments outside the development circle, like marketing and finance. By targeting these different levels appropriately, testers can create “sales champions” who amplify the value of testing within the organization.
- The Principle of Consistency
Consistency is key when communicating the value of testing. To maintain a unified message, testers can establish an “action lab” where they regularly meet to discuss and refine their approach to testing. This provides a platform for sharing knowledge and ensures that the messaging around testing remains consistent across the organization. A consistent message helps avoid misunderstandings and builds a stronger case for the value of testing.
- The Principle of Practicing
Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to refining your pitch on the value of testing. Testers can hold practice sessions to hone their communication skills, focusing on different durations—2, 5, 15, or 30 minutes. This approach helps testers become more confident in conveying their message, overcoming the fear of public failure. The goal is to create a clear, concise, and compelling pitch that resonates with management.
- The Principle of Collaboration
Collaboration is essential for effective communication. Establishing a knowledge base, or “testing shop,” where testers can share insights, tools, and best practices, helps create a culture of collaboration. This shared resource fosters a unified approach to testing and provides a space for continuous learning and improvement. By working together, testers can strengthen their skills and enhance the value they bring to the organization.
- The Principle of Connectivity
Testing is often seen as a means of identifying problems, but it’s more than that—it’s a way to support decision-making and avoid future issues. Testers should connect their work to broader business goals, showing how testing helps avoid financial setbacks and unhappy customers. By speaking the same language as management, testers can align their objectives with the company’s strategic direction, creating a shared story that highlights the importance of testing.
- The Principle of Differentiation
Professional testers bring a level of expertise that sets them apart from amateur testers. While anyone can perform basic testing, professional testers use systematic approaches to uncover deeper issues. Testers should emphasize their unique skills, such as risk assessment and effective communication of critical bugs, to demonstrate their value to management. By highlighting these differentiators, testers can show why professional testing is essential for the success of a project.
- The Principle of Debunking
Misconceptions about testing can cloud management’s understanding of its importance. Testers must be prepared to confront and correct these myths. Common myths include the idea that software can be entirely bug-free, that all testing can be automated, or that 100% coverage is practical. Testers can use relatable metaphors and analogies to debunk these myths and provide a clearer understanding of what testing involves.
Conclusion
Effective communication of testing value requires a strategic approach that combines consistency, practice, collaboration, connectivity, differentiation, and debunking. By focusing on these principles, testers can build a stronger case for the importance of testing within their organizations. Ultimately, this will lead to greater recognition of the critical role testers play in ensuring software quality and reliability.
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