career development

One-on-one meeting Make Your One-on-One Meetings More Effective

One-on-one meetings between managers and the people on their teams can be a very powerful tool, but it's also all too easy for these meetings to become routine, simply turning into regular status reports. One-on-ones should address career development, identify obstacles, and look at the big picture.

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk
Software tester finding bugs The Value of Falling into Software Testing

To become a software tester, there are generally no required degrees or certifications. Consequently, many testers sort of "fall into" the job. But that doesn't mean they won't do outstanding work. Coming from all walks of life and having varied work experiences can help testers find problems no one else can.

Justin Rohrman's picture
Justin Rohrman
Wolf in sheep's clothing Are You Doing the Important Work, or Do You Just Think You Are?

“Playing work” is when we do activities that look like work—they may even feel like work—but deep down, we know we aren’t being productive. These diversions are dangerous because they don't actually generate value and distract you from real work. Have you fallen victim to any of these deceptive time-wasters?

Matt Heusser's picture
Matt Heusser
open workplace The Importance of a Dynamic and Open Culture in the Workplace

A culture that is carefully built and nurtured in an organization is key to its long term success. While there is no right or wrong answer to which culture should be fostered, a culture that is open and dynamic goes a long way in connecting with employees and fostering a rapport with them.

Rajini  Padmanaban's picture
Rajini Padmanaban
CEO nameplate How to Become a CEO

If you aspire to become a CEO, you need, at minimum, a heavy dose of personal drive and ambition. Communication skills (both speaking and listening) are top priority, and so is being able to get along with others. What other characteristics and experience do you need if you want that top title? Read on.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Help key on a keyboard The Sign of a True Professional: Asking for Help When It’s Needed

People worry that asking for assistance will somehow undermine their standing in the eyes of peers or employers. But most successful people are quick to acknowledge what they don’t know and to ask for assistance. Honestly admitting to limitations in your knowledge is the sign of a true professional.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
Maintaining Our Objective Voice in Testing

As we embrace an agile culture, we adopt the core value of whole team accountability. But while collaboration is important, testers must continue to ask challenging questions, think deeply about the “what-ifs,” consider and advocate for alternative views, challenge assumptions, and look for ambiguities.

Michael Sowers's picture
Michael Sowers
ideas Have an Idea? You Can Do Wonders

It is often daunting to visualize how to implement an idea, and this fear inhibits many from bringing ideas to fruition. However, in today’s market, with a little research and follow-through, there are various ways to do wonders with even simple ideas.

Mukesh Sharma's picture
Mukesh Sharma