psychology

Happy tester holding up a smiley face balloon How Testers Can Keep a Positive Outlook in a Negative Job

Software testers are frequently perceived as negative. While their goal is constructive—to deliver an exceptional product to end-users—getting there involves a critical mindset, which is often construed as being a devil’s advocate. Here are some ways testers can transform their thinking to a more positive outlook.

Rajini  Padmanaban's picture
Rajini Padmanaban
Light bulb hovering over a person's hand 5 Actions to Create a Work Culture Safe for Innovation

People tend to thrive in environments where they feel safe. Company leaders have the opportunity to help engineer a generative culture, where team members feel secure, supported, and trusted to think creatively and innovate. Here are five actions leaders can take to create and nurture healthy working environments.

Owen Gotimer's picture
Owen Gotimer
Sign saying "You got this" next to a laptop Brain Hacks to Engineer an Agile Transformation

When we are presented with a decision, the subconscious determines what we’re most emotionally comfortable with, then fills in the gaps to justify choosing it. In other words: Our brains lie to us. Then how can we ever get out of our comfort zone? Believe in change and take an agile approach to incremental adoption.

Chris Murman's picture
Chris Murman
"Don't walk" sign saying to stop Don’t Fall Victim to the Fundamental Attribution Error

Before jumping to a conclusion about a particular situation, try to see circumstances from the other person’s perspective. Consider possible explanations for the person’s behavior that are based on the situation, not the person’s character. Work runs more smoothly when you assume actions have a good and logical reason.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
An empathetic software professional talking to her coworker Why Software Careers Are Great for Empathetic People

In a skills-driven world like IT, you should have programming knowledge, good communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. But being a highly empathetic person means you also have a set of soft skills that can give you an edge to have a great career in software. Here's why your strengths are a good fit for IT.

Miles Maftean's picture
Miles Maftean
Chalkboard showing half analytical and half colorful doodles Helping Introverts and Extroverts Work Together

The personality tendencies of extroversion and introversion concern where people get their energy, and this is key to understanding how coworkers can perceive—and sometimes misinterpret—each other’s behavior. If the introvert-extrovert dynamic poses challenges, consider discussing these differences as a team.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Angry cat snarling and showing its teeth, photo by Erik-Jan Leusink Manage Your Workplace Anger So It Doesn’t Manage You

At work, there’s so often someone or something that pushes your buttons. If you experience anger often and lash out, it could be doing you harm—both physically and to your career. It could be worthwhile to keep a record of what triggers your anger over the course of a day and how you react so you can gain some insight.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Street art of a worried woman with shattered face, photo by Chris Barbalis 4 Tips for Conquering Your Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is the belief that you're inadequate and incompetent, despite evidence otherwise. It’s more than just insecurity; it’s persistent self-doubt about your accomplishments, and the feeling that any success must have been undeserved. Don’t sell yourself short. Here are four ways to beat impostor syndrome.

Beth Romanik's picture
Beth Romanik