“Stop logging so many bugs! You’re going to delay go-live!”
K, the lead QA was appalled.
Her job was to ensure quality, and thorough testing had discovered some defects as well as missed requirements and gaps that needed addressing.
Finding bugs is her job, while ensuring the quality of project delivery lies with the Project Manager, so this remark was really quite out of line.
I agreed vigorously.
When customising and implementing business software such as #Salesforce, there’s a big difference between unit testing the configuration and development, and the Systems, End to End (E2E) and Integration testing that goes on before handing it to the users for their User Acceptance Testing.
When the the Discovery or Requirements Gathering phase at the beginning of the project is sub-par, then it is inevitable that issues will be found during testing.
Shooting the messenger is rarely the right solution when presented with a list of defects at such a late stage of the project.
Here’s what needs to happen:
1. Triage the defects – what are missed requirements, defects against documented requirements, training issue (tester did not know how to use the product), or configuration issue (e.g. incorrect user permissions)?
2. Determine the course of action for the categories of defects, perhaps such as
– more training for testers
– quickly resolving config/permission issues so that testers can progress with their testing
– fixing the actual defects and deploy for re-testing
– identifying the reasons for missed requirements, detailing the new functionality needed, and providing estimates
3. Prepare for some difficult conversations, especially if the defects and their remedy will impact timeline and cost.
Many #ProjectManagers are unable to have these conversations, and shy away from it especially towards the end of the projects when tempers are frayed and stress level is high.
Some choose to direct their ire at the project team instead, which is incredibly unfair and will not resolve the issues at hand.
Testers and the QA team are generally in the line of fire and are rarely given the respect they deserve. This is especially true of the really good ones who incidently are the ones who find the most defects!
Give some ❤ to your QA.
They make you look good.
I have found that saying thank you with chocolates 🍫 or donuts 🍩 works.
That’s right.
Because they make the whole team (and me!) look good. 😎
Tag your favourite QA bods below 👇🏻
#OnThePeiroll
#ProjectManagement
#QAFTW
Warren JonesRaisa GuptaKunal NarulaAshutosh SharmaGanesh Vemula Kajal Pandya
