personal improvement
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Mistakes We Make in Testing A tester starting in the profession recently asked Michael Sowers, "What are some of the most common mistakes we make as testers?" He wrote down some of the more common ones he could think of that are made before, during, and after testing. How many of these could you turn into learning opportunities? |
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Are You Self-Absorbed? Learn to ListenIt can be a manager asking employees for their input, then proceeding with his own plan anyway. Or it could be going to a coworker with a problem, only to have her center on her own issues. Self-absorption takes many forms, and they're all bad. If you fit a description, learn how to focus outward and listen. | 
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Make the Effort to Invest in YourselfTo keep relevant in an ever-changing industry, you need training. But many companies don't provide or reimburse for continuing education. That means you're responsible for your ongoing career development. Don't fret; you don't have to spend a lot. And the more you learn and practice, the more value you have. | 
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To Use or Not to Use? Debating Clichés in Your WritingIt's hard not to speak in clichés at work; they're so ingrained in how we communicate, they just come out. But what about in your writing? Yes, clichés are overused, but there's a reason: Everyone knows what they mean. Should you use these perhaps worn-out phrases when you write, or is there a better way? |
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Worried You Might Mumble? Here’s How to Speak ClearlyFeeling nervous, being afraid of saying the wrong thing, or just talking too quickly are some of the main reasons people mumble when they speak. Often, however, people don't even realize they're mumblers. If you think you may be one, read on to learn how to speak confidently and—of course—clearly. |
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Avoid Embarrassing Glitches: Proofread Your DocumentsTo avoid embarrassing errors in your emails, documents, and proposals, it's a good idea to proofread. But simply glancing over what you wrote isn't enough. Naomi Karten gives some tips for thorough proofreading, such as coming back to your document later, printing it out, and reading it out loud. |
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Overcoming Writer’s BlockThose who claim that writer's block is a myth maintain that feeling stumped in writing usually has a simple cause. That’s no doubt true, but it’s irrelevant if you don’t know the cause. Naomi Karten has experienced writer's block, and if you have, too, she provides a number of ideas to help get you unstuck. |
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Testers, Tech It Up! Become More Technically CompetentAs our world becomes more complex, the demand for technical testing expertise is going up. While there will always be a need for domain specialists, we also need just as many technical testing roles—particularly with programming skills. Mike Sowers has some ideas on developing additional technical expertise. |
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