Getting a good QA or test manager is not an easy task. There are qualities to look for in a good Quality Assurance Manager that go beyond managing projects and mentoring people.
You need someone who understands the challenges that come with QA services. He should know what qualities are required to be a good test manager and be able to motivate a team to work effectively even when under pressure.
Here are some guidelines you should follow when hiring a good QA or test manager:
1. Possesses Relevant Skills, Discipline, and Knowledge
A good QA or test manager is equipped with the required technical experience for analyzing, negotiating, team-collaborating, and communicating. He should boast high levels of discipline too.
He should have a strong and uncompromising personality to point out poor quality performance outright. An efficient QA manager only brings the right people with the necessary skill and commitment to the team.
2. Pay Attention to Detail
A good QA manager is very attentive and never ignores the tiniest bit of information. This is a quality that helps test managers know at what exact point to begin automation (if necessary) with the use of the automated unit testing done by the development team.
3. Foresees Potential Risks and Challenges
When offering QA services, passion and concentration are needed. Understanding script testing (automated or manual) helps foresee potential risks. Unwanted risks are prevented by making the necessary initiative and sound decision-making.
4. Understands Bug Detection
Detecting bugs are useless when they cannot be reproduced. For every dollar spent, script testing helps find few bugs. A good QA manager manages a team with testers that can write bug reports that are clear and can easily be reproduced and fixed.
5. Honesty and Accountability
Good QA or test managers are reliable and completely honest about how they assess the software’s quality. They inform the customer about the potential risks involved if the software is released too early. They are truthful about their team’s capabilities and professional growth.
6. Maintains a Positive Environment with the Team
Despite going through a negative process (checking for and fixing bugs), they should maintain an enthusiasm that guarantees productivity no matter what the situation is. The manager must be able to promote cooperation between the team members in order to foster a communal work spirit. The right manager courteously encourages improvements in the QA processes with marketing and development to improve the quality of the software.
7. Flexibility
A good manager needs to learn how to think quickly (whether under pressure or not). He should adjust his management techniques and expectations according to the capacity of every team member. A good manager should never be caught off guard but must always be anticipating change and new trends.
8. Ensures End-User Satisfaction
This is the ultimate character of an effective QA or test manager. He should always ensure the satisfaction of the end-user (customer). He should not compromise but ensure to deliver thoroughly-tested software to the end-user. The end-user is the one who pays for the software so he must be the one to maximize the value of his own money.
Keep in mind these points before hiring any QA services and ensure quality in your every testing process.
