“The leader always sets the trail for others to follow“. Me ha parecido muy interesante este artículo que he extraido de la web de la conferencia de Las Vegas “Software Test Professionals Conference & Expo 2010″. Este artículo, que dejaré en inglés para que no pierda la esencia del contenido en la traducción. He añadido alguno comentarios al final de cada punto. Este es el resultado de una encuesta hecha a todos los “speakers” de la conferencia: “What makes a good leader?”:

1. Knowledge of the Business
Linda Hayes, Worksoft, Inc. founder states, “It’s important that leaders have a solid grasp of the business drivers and risks.” Often times, people focus on the process to manage a testing department and don’t have a grasp on the higher level business objectives. Leaders should have a deep understanding of the complex needs of the stakeholders including the customers, the organization and the team. Comentario personal: Conocer el negocio es fundamental, pero no debemos olvidar que unos de los objetivos principales de cualquier negocio es entregar un producto de calidad para poder ser competitivos.

2. Communication & Interpersonal Relationship Skills
It’s not enough to simply have knowledge of the overall business. The ability to share this information with your team is also important. Jim Hazen, Consultant from Connected Testing stated “…listen and talk to people within and outside your group … you don’t have to be a diplomat but you do need to be able to convey information clearly.” A leader who is able to convey information clearly inside the testing department as well as outside and at all levels will serve as an information bridge to close the gaps of miscommunications and build the testing department’s value to the organization. Furthermore, clearly conveying information helps to motivate and support the testing team, create positive morale and provide a clear vision for success. Comentario personal: Muy interesante la frase “ability to share this information with your team is also important”, la información es poder, y en algunas ocasiones los “lideres” tienden a no compartir la información con su equipo para mantener su poder…o al menos creen que de esta forma mantienen su poder, cuando en realidad hace el efecto contrario.

3. Knowledge of the Technical Skills
Robert Walsh, President of EnvisionWare, Inc. states that “Leaders must have a good balance between communication and technical skills.” With balance, a strong leader who understands the testing process, tools, systems and solutions can help guide team members without getting involved in the tactical aspects of the project. A leader’s ability to use this technical knowledge to be decisive and lead the team will inspire the team’s confidence in their leader. Comentario personal: completamente de acuerdo. ¿Cómo un lider sin conocimientos de calidad, testing, herramientas, y metodologías puede marcar las estrategias de un equipo y guiarlo en su trabajo diario? Un leader tiene que ser una fuente de inspiración para los miembros de su equipo (“will inspire the team’s confidence in their leader”).

4. Strategic Skills
Operating in environments with heavy workloads and not enough resources can challenge a senior leader in testing. It’s important to carefully organize resources to match priorities. In order to successfully allocate resources, a leader must have a clear focus on the testing department’s end goals and maintain a visual above the minefield. When a leader understands both human and technical resource allocation they can most effectively be open-minded to revolutionizing change for the betterment of the organization. Bradley Baird, Principal SQA Engineer at Symantec summarizes, “Just because we did it that way last time doesn’t mean we should do it that way this time. Be open to ideas on how to improve processes and procedures.” With an open mind, clear vision and the ability to effectively allocate resources, strategic leaders can drive change and lead their teams into the future. Comentario personal: bueno, este párrafo lo dice todo…es importante priorizar y organizar las personas correctamente.

Referencia: http://www.stpcon.com

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