career development

Help key on a keyboard The Sign of a True Professional: Asking for Help When It’s NeededPeople 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.
Maintaining Our Objective Voice in TestingAs 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.
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.

Hiring for Your Best Software Team PossibleSoftware teams spend a lot of time thinking about processes and requirements for development so that we can build great software systems. However, we seem to think much less about how to hire the people for the teams that will build those systems. Consider these points to assemble your best possible team.
Woman listening Develop Your Listening Skills to Become a Better LeaderListening is key to effective people management and professional mastery, but it may be the most underrated leadership skill. Having a model for what good listening is, and some techniques to practice, can help you become not only a better listener, but also a better leader and learner.
Stop Faking It: There Are Better Ways to Acquire Technical SkillsEveryone wants to hire someone who can “hit the ground running.” But seeking a candidate who has all nine of the core skills listed on the job description shouldn't be the goal; instead, it's more important to find someone who can learn quickly, collaborate with others, and acquire those skills through work.
Matt Heusser
Want to Be More Productive? Work LessAlthough some organizations reward working long hours, that practice is actually counterproductive. After a certain point, more work does not mean more productivity. In fact, due to distractions and fatigue, eventually the more you work, the less productive you become. What's your ideal work-life balance?
5 Ways to Have More Impact When You TalkWhether proposing ideas at a meeting, talking with team members, or giving a formal presentation, certain ways of speaking can be annoying to listeners and, ultimately, water down your message. To have more impact when you talk and make your ideas really shine, avoid these five common bad habits.