Bugs! We need more bugs!!!
When testing complex software, there are always bugs (errors and issues) and we need to find as many as possible before launching it for everyone to use. Employees find the most unlikely ways to mangle processes and pressure code in ways the designers never imagined. It’s exactly what we want, to ensure all of the wrinkles are ironed out before launch.
I’m deep into User Acceptance Testing with a client and there is a lot at stake for an upcoming update to their financial system. Errors can have big consequences. But people are not putting in the time required to really test the new features. Apparently, they have other jobs. Well!
So what is the difference between someone who dives in and gives it their all and another who will ‘try and get to it as time permits?’
Commitment.
The CFO asked how to increase participation in testing. My response: Make it personal.
When we ask for testers, subject matter experts, working group participants, or super users, there is a big difference in commitment between those nominated by managers and employees we ask directly based on a personal connection.
I met Greg during a series of interviews to learn about a particular business unit. When I asked him if he would consider committing 25% of his time for the week to help us test, I wasn’t asking on behalf of the organization, I was asking him to help me. Greg found some really important bugs.
Being voluntold vs. begin asked. We know instinctively that we get different levels of commitment but in our rush to get things done, we can mistake allocation of resources for dedication. Nope.
The point: If we want engagement – true engagement – and commitment to change, we have to tap people on the shoulder one at a time. We make calls. We plead for help. We make personal calls on leaders who can then do the same with their teams.
Structured approached to change put our focus on the enterprise and large groups. But change is a very personal experience. We cannot escape working at the individual level.
Organizational change happens one person at a time. It’s a domino effect of influence.
Thoughtfully yours,
Jeff
