💡Quality Insight: As a Tester, Who Am I?

A winter night, in a dimly lit room, and a cup of tea can put one in my mood. It’s January, a time to reflect. I watch the stillness of the trees and feel the birds absense. I am intentionally slow and only adding goals as they come to me. They are brand new, barely hatched. I want to give them time to become whatever they need to be.

Who knows what we’ll face in 2026. I’d rather not burden myself with unrealistic expectations.

Nothing prevents me from stewing on old post ideas. The post-its are gathered around my desk. Scanning the options, I find one that is appropriate to contemplate, while the baby goals are still developing.

One question: Who am I, as a tester?

For context, Scott Kenyon shared this question in the form of an existential crisis on episode 112 of This Week in Quality. He faced a situation where someone questioned his ability, and it knocked him off his feet a little. And, I’ve been pondering that question for a while.

I could provide a list of my experiences, the places I’ve worked, and the tools I work with. But that doesn’t tell you who I am as a tester. Not really. It demonstrates what I know. It does not outline how I operate.

I’ve heard that it’s best to start with your values. When we define our values, all other decisions will flow through those filters. Make a decision that goes against your values, and you can feel it, even if no one else sees it. Brene Brown offers a values clarification exercise that is worthwhile walking through.

Let’s do it together, shall we?

Define your values…well, not right now.

Actually, you know what? I’m going to leave this article unfinished. I can tell that I won’t be able to finish it tonight. I’ve already seen Brené’s book “Strong Ground,” and I’m intrigued to hear the podcast episode.

So, here’s an assignment for both of us: Listen to Brené Brown’s first podcast episode for Strong Ground and work through the values clarification exercise.

I’ll come back next week and report my findings.

That’s what I love about January. It’s the perfect time to follow your curiosity, wherever it leads.

Till next time…

Written with the smell of old books, reading, writing and studying (a dark academia playlist) playing in the background