Talk Smart, Test Better - Maroš Kutschy

Software Testing Unleashed - Better Teams. Better Software. Better World.

From Blame to Clarity: Enhancing Team Conversations

Bonus Tipp: Never miss a crucial test again

"So yes, there is a lot of communication for testers." - Maroš Kutschy

In this episode, I talk to Maroš Kutschy, a QA technical lead passionate about automation testing and self-improvement. We go into the topic of nonviolent communication and its impact on tech teams. Maroš explains its four core components: observations, feelings, needs, and requests. We discuss how simple changes in language can greatly improve team dynamics and communication. For example, he illustrates how expressing yourself without blame opens up clearer dialogue.

Maroš is QA Technical Lead at Ness Košice, Slovakia. His hobby is automation testing. He likes leading and mentoring colleagues, learning new automation testing framework and helping people to enter the world of testing. In 2022 he was speaking at ‚Testing United‘ in Prague, ‚Nordic Testing Days‘ in Tallinn, ‚Tacon‘ in Leipzig, ‚HUSTEF‘ in Budapest, and ‚Test Dive‘ in Cracow. In 2023 he was speaking at ‚Software Quality Days‘ in Munich, 'HalfStack' in Vienna, 'SEETEST' in Bucharest and 'SANAE BEER.EX' in Bratislava. He likes self-improvement and leadership books, stoic philosophy, and exercising in the gym.

Highlights:

• Nonviolent communication enhances team dynamics.
• Expressing without blame opens clearer dialogue.
• Language changes can improve communication.
• Four core components: observations, feelings, needs, requests.
• Practical applications benefit everyday testing scenarios.

Chương

1. Nonviolent Communication Insights (00:00:00)

2. Nonviolent Communication Observations Tips (00:06:12)

3. Backlog Refinement Challenges (00:08:52)

4. Taking Responsibility for Feelings (00:12:42)

5. Clarifying Communication Needs (00:14:09)

6. Improving Listening Skills (00:18:17)

7. Non-violent Communication in Testing (00:21:03)