FW: What Makes A Good Leader? 4 Essentials

觉得讲得非常的make sense，at least in the place I work. Share with you.

 

Original link:

http://www.stpcon.com/Item/1045/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=072710-STPCON&utm_campaign=EVENT

 

 

What Makes A Good Leader? 4 Essentials

Software Test Professionals asked the speakers who are presenting at theSoftware Test Professionals Conference & Expo 2010 in Las Vegas severalquestions about leadership.  When asked about the top characteristics of strongleaders in the testing field, the conference speaker’s highlighted fourmain attributes they considered important.

 

1.  Knowledge of the Business
Linda Hayes, Worksoft, Inc. founder states, “It’s important thatleaders have a solid grasp of the business drivers and risks.” Often times, people focus on the process to manage a testingdepartment and don’t have a grasp on the higher levelbusiness objectives. Leaders should have a deep understanding of the complexneeds of the stakeholders including the customers, the organization and theteam. 

 

2.  Communication & Interpersonal Relationship Skills
It’s not enough tosimply have knowledge of the overall business.  The ability to share thisinformation with your team is also important. Jim Hazen, Consultant fromConnected Testing stated “…listen and talk to peoplewithin and outside your group … you don’t have to be a diplomat but you do need to be able to conveyinformation clearly.”  A leader who is able toconvey information clearly inside the testing department as well as outside andat all levels will serve as an information bridge to close the gaps ofmiscommunications and build the testing department’svalue to the organization. Furthermore, clearly conveying information helps tomotivate and support the testing team, create positive morale and provide aclear vision for success. 

 

3.  Knowledge of the Technical Skills
Robert Walsh, President of EnvisionWare, Inc. states that “Leaders must have agood 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 gettinginvolved in the tactical aspects of the project.  A leader’s ability to use this technical knowledge to be decisive and leadthe team will inspire the team’s confidence in theirleader.  

 

4.  Strategic Skills
Operating in environments with heavy workloads and not enough resources canchallenge a senior leader in testing.  It’s important to carefully organize resourcesto match priorities.  In order to successfully allocate resources, aleader must have a clear focus on the testing department’s end goals and maintain a visual above the minefield.  When aleader understands both human and technical resource allocation they can mosteffectively be open-minded to revolutionizing change for the betterment of theorganization. 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 howto improve processes and procedures.” With an openmind, clear vision and the ability to effectively allocate resources, strategicleaders can drive change and lead their teams into the future.