QUALITY BOSS

QUALITY BOSS focuses on empowering women in tech, leadership, and quality engineering. It addresses challenges such as stereotypes and confidence, promotes effective communication and time management, and advocates for continuous learning and resilience. It also emphasizes self-care and community support among women in the workplace.

Women in Tech Leadership Quality Engineering Personal Development Time Management Self-Care Community Support

The hottest Substack posts of QUALITY BOSS

And their main takeaways

Testing Too Late: A Case Study

139 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Quality Assurance Project management Development Testing
  1. Testing too late can cause big delays in getting software to users. If QA is behind, it creates confusion and slows down the whole process.
  2. Good communication between development and QA teams is really important. Working in separate sprints can lead to misunderstandings and more difficult bug fixes.
  3. It's essential to define when a task is 'done' to include testing. If something isn't tested, it shouldn't be considered complete, ensuring that quality stays high.

Cultivating Resilience by Changing How You View Your Identity

59 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Self-care Identity Resilience
  1. Focusing on your core values rather than roles can help you bounce back from tough times. When your identity is built around values like connection and integrity, you're more adaptable to change.
  2. People who tie their identity to their job or relationship might struggle more during transitions. If you see yourself as defined by your values, losing a job or going through a divorce feels less drastic.
  3. Building daily habits that reflect your values can strengthen your sense of self. For example, if curiosity is important to you, spending time learning new things helps keep you engaged and authentic.

Unlocking the Time Management Puzzle

59 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
💼 Business Leadership Productivity Time management Strategy Coaching
  1. Time blocking can be challenging because admin tasks often take over the blocks. It's important to set separate times for these tasks to protect your focused work.
  2. Interruptions can break your flow, so setting 'do not disturb' periods or specific times to check messages can help. Communicating the importance of your focused time to your team is crucial.
  3. Procrastination can still happen even with a schedule. Breaking tasks into smaller steps or tackling the hardest tasks first can make projects feel more manageable.

Last Call for Quality

39 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Quality Assurance Development Practices DevOps
  1. Testing software too late can lead to more expensive and difficult fixes. It's better to catch bugs earlier in the development process.
  2. Many teams rely too much on manual testing, which can slow things down. A mix of automated and manual testing can improve quality and efficiency.
  3. Ignoring non-functional requirements like security and performance can make software unsatisfactory, even if it meets basic needs. It's important to include these factors in testing plans.

Not Technical Enough

159 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Workplace Issues Gender bias Career development Impostor syndrome Technical Skills
  1. Feeling like you're not 'technical enough' often comes from biases and stereotypes, especially in gender. It's important to remember that everyone's skills and roles can vary greatly.
  2. Your worth and skills in tech should be measured by how well you understand your job, not just by coding abilities. Everyone has different strengths that contribute to success.
  3. Confidence in your abilities is key. Feedback can sting, but it's crucial to assess it within context and not let others' opinions define your self-worth.
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Management Rituals: Quarterly Check-ins

79 implied HN points • 04 May 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Performance Growth Feedback
  1. Quarterly check-ins help managers stay updated on their team's accomplishments and goals. They create space for important conversations about progress and development.
  2. The check-in process includes asking six questions that focus on both past achievements and future aspirations. This backward and forward approach ensures a comprehensive view of performance.
  3. These meetings do not replace regular feedback but complement it by providing a dedicated time for discussing growth and performance over a longer timeline.

Forever Forgetting Sh!t: Navigating Personal Knowledge Management

39 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🚌 Education Knowledge Management Learning Techniques Digital Tools Personal Development
  1. A Personal Knowledge Management System (PKMS) helps you keep track of the huge amount of information we encounter daily. It makes remembering important things easier and less stressful.
  2. Finding the right tools for your PKMS can be challenging. Using too many different apps can create chaos instead of helping you stay organized.
  3. Creating a structured system for storing and retrieving information can boost your creativity and efficiency. It allows you to focus on using your knowledge instead of just trying to remember it.

Quality Engineering Basics: Incident Reports

39 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Quality Engineering Process Improvement Software Development Engineering Management
  1. Incident reports help us learn from mistakes without blaming anyone. By understanding what went wrong, we can improve processes and avoid future issues.
  2. Writing incident reports takes time but leads to fewer problems later. They keep everyone informed and help prioritize important improvements.
  3. To make incident reports effective, clear criteria and responsibility are needed. It's important to track action items so that lessons learned actually lead to real changes.

Quality Engineering Basics: Quality Metrics

39 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Metrics Quality Automation
  1. Metrics help show how good a product is and can lead to improvements. They can boost quality and user happiness.
  2. Bug metrics track issues like how many bugs are found after release and how long they take to fix. This helps teams focus on areas needing help.
  3. Product and automation metrics can include customer satisfaction and how well automated tests work. They help understand what's going right or wrong in the product.

Quality Engineering Basics: Bug Retrospectives

39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Testing Quality Engineering Team Collaboration Process Improvement
  1. A Bug Retrospective is a team meeting to review and learn from bugs that occurred during a project. The focus is not on blaming anyone but on understanding why the bugs happened and how to prevent them in the future.
  2. These retrospectives help improve the quality of the product by fostering a culture where everyone takes responsibility for quality. Each bug can be seen as a lesson that can strengthen the team’s processes and test strategies.
  3. To start a Bug Retrospective, gather the team, discuss selected bugs, analyze their root causes, and create an action plan for prevention. Sharing insights and encouraging collaboration can lead to better practices and overall product quality.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Six

39 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Mindfulness Stress Relief Personal Growth
  1. Mindfulness helps us be more aware of our thoughts and feelings without judging them. It can make our daily lives feel less stressful and more peaceful.
  2. You don't need a special place or time to practice mindfulness. Just focus on your breath or what you're doing in the moment for a few minutes.
  3. Using techniques like visualizing thoughts as clouds can help us acknowledge and then let go of distractions. This practice can lead to a clearer mind and improved well-being.

When You Don't Know It All

39 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
💼 Business Leadership Career development Personal Growth Impostor syndrome Mentorship
  1. It's normal to feel like you don't know everything, especially when starting a new job. Accepting that you don't have to know it all can help ease your fears and open up opportunities for learning.
  2. Building relationships with your new coworkers is really important. Connecting with others can help you learn and grow in your new role.
  3. When feel like an impostor, try to focus on what you need to learn. Ask questions, celebrate small wins, and remember everyone starts as a beginner.

What Makes a Great Quality Engineer?

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Software Testing Quality Assurance Technical Skills Product Development User Experience
  1. Great quality engineers need a quality mindset. This means they care about making sure the product is useful and works well for customers, not just ticking off boxes.
  2. Some key traits of top QEs are curiosity, adaptability, and persistence. These qualities help them understand the product better and keep pushing until they get to the bottom of any issues.
  3. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are also important. This ensures they can share findings clearly and work well with other teams to improve the product.

Continuing the Journey: Empowering Women, One Action at a Time

19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Women empowerment Community support Leadership Development Mentorship Gender Equality
  1. Share your skills with other women. Talk about your experiences and offer advice to help them succeed.
  2. Lift each other up by celebrating successes. Recognizing achievements creates a positive vibe and inspires everyone.
  3. Advocate for women's rights and support each other in the workplace. Stand up against inequality and promote gender diversity for a better community.

Quality Engineering Basics: Debugging

19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Testing Quality Assurance Debugging Development Tools User Experience
  1. Debugging is like being a detective; you need to find clues to solve the problem in the software. Understanding how or when a bug happens can help get it fixed faster.
  2. A good bug report includes details like when the bug occurs and what steps to reproduce it. The more information you provide, the easier it is for developers to understand and fix the issue.
  3. Trying different methods and tools can help uncover more about the bug. For example, using different browsers or versions of software can help pinpoint what's causing the problem.

How Can We Lift and Empower Other Women?

19 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Equality Community support Inspiration Leadership
  1. It's important to surround yourself with women who lift you up. They help you see your own strengths and magic.
  2. Women can sometimes compete against each other instead of supporting one another. It’s important to change this behavior and celebrate each other.
  3. We should actively look for ways to empower other women. Even small actions can make a big difference in someone's life.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 30

19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Fitness Mental health Physical health Wellbeing
  1. It's important to take care of our fingers since they do a lot of work, especially if we type a lot. Stretching can help keep them flexible and reduce tension.
  2. Today's self-care challenge focuses on finger stretches. These include pressing fingers back away from the palm and rotating fists, which can feel really good.
  3. This self-care journey is about discovering new ways to take care of ourselves. It's nice to reflect on what we've learned throughout this 30-day challenge.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 21

19 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Personal Development Lifestyle Motivation
  1. It's important to celebrate the small things in life. Little achievements can bring joy and boost your motivation.
  2. Celebrating habits can make you feel more successful. Every time you complete a small action, give yourself a little cheer!
  3. Find fun ways to celebrate your wins. You can do a happy dance, shout out joyfully, or imagine fireworks just for you.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 20

19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Creative Arts Hobbies Lifestyle
  1. You don't need to be an expert to be creative. Just having fun with your interests is what matters most.
  2. Creative activities can reduce stress and improve your mood. Doing something like doodling or cooking can be really beneficial.
  3. It's important to enjoy the process of being creative. Try not to worry about the end result; just focus on having a good time.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 18

19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Physical health Emotional Support
  1. Spending time with pets can improve your mood and reduce stress. They offer companionship that can lead to feelings of happiness.
  2. Having a daily routine that includes cuddling with your pet helps start your day on a positive note. The simple act of snuggling can be uplifting.
  3. If you don't have a pet, you can still enjoy their company by visiting a friend’s pet or looking at cute animal videos online.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 17

19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Happiness Mindfulness Lifestyle
  1. Smiling can help boost your mood and happiness, even if you have to fake it sometimes. It’s a simple way to feel a bit better.
  2. Taking a moment to smile, whether you have a reason or not, can be a fun self-care activity. It's okay if you don’t feel like smiling; you can choose another self-care idea instead.
  3. There’s some debate about whether fake smiles really improve your mood, but trying to smile can still be a good step towards feeling better.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 16

19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Emotional Well-being Personal Growth
  1. Smells can bring back memories and feelings. A scent can remind you of a special moment in your life.
  2. Aromatherapy uses scents to help improve your mood and well-being. Even if you're not sure it works, it's nice to enjoy good smells.
  3. Take time to appreciate nice scents in your life. Whether it's flowers or food, stopping to smell them can make you feel happier.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 15

19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Wellness Practices Mindfulness Life Balance
  1. Today's self-care challenge lets you pick any activity from the past days or create your own for five minutes. It's all about what makes you feel good.
  2. At the halfway mark, it's important to think about how these activities have affected your mood and energy. Recognizing positive changes can keep you motivated.
  3. You can mix and match activities, like combining mindfulness with fresh air. The goal is to find what works best for you.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 11

19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Reading Personal Growth Lifestyle
  1. Reading is a great way to relax and can take you to new worlds or teach you new things. Whether it's a book or an article, reading can feel like a mini-vacation for your mind.
  2. Spending just five minutes reading something you enjoy can boost your mood and stimulate your brain. It's a simple self-care practice anyone can do.
  3. Everyone has different reading preferences, so it's fun to explore different genres. Whether you like fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, there's a whole world of stories waiting for you.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Eight

19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Exercise Lifestyle Personal Development
  1. Singing in the shower can be a fun and stress-relieving activity. It allows you to let loose and enjoy your favorite songs without worrying about who's listening.
  2. Singing has several health benefits, like lowering stress and improving your mood. It might even help with lung health!
  3. The challenge encourages everyone to pick a favorite song and sing out loud. It's a great way to boost your spirits and make self-care enjoyable.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Seven

19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Hydration Nutrition Mental health Physical health
  1. Staying hydrated is super important for your health. Drinking enough water can help your mood, memory, and concentration.
  2. Most people need to drink about 6 to 8 cups of water a day. You can also check your urine color to see if you're hydrated.
  3. If you struggle to drink enough water, tracking your intake with an app might help. Little changes in how much you drink can make a big difference in how you feel.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day One

19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Mindfulness Lifestyle
  1. The self-care challenge encourages taking a few minutes each day for self-care activities. It's about finding what works best for you.
  2. Day one focuses on breathing, which is an important but often overlooked aspect of well-being. Taking time to breathe properly can improve your health.
  3. You can try different breathing techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing. These exercises help you relax and center yourself.

New Year's Challenge: 30 Days of Bite-Sized Self-Care

19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Lifestyle Personal Growth Mindfulness
  1. A 30-day self-care challenge starts on January 1, 2024, with small tips that take 5 minutes or less. It's an easy way to make self-care a daily habit.
  2. The goal is to encourage people to focus on things they enjoy rather than what they feel they should do. Enjoying life more can help reduce burnout.
  3. Besides self-care tips, other content like Quality Engineering Basics will continue in February. This shows that even while focusing on self-care, other interests can still be pursued.

Liminal Thinking

2 HN points • 16 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Belief systems Personal Growth Psychology Change Management Self-help
  1. Changing your beliefs can change your life. By shifting how you think, you can create a new reality for yourself.
  2. Liminal thinking encourages you to look at the patterns in your life. Identify negative cycles and imagine ways to turn them into positive experiences.
  3. Understanding that beliefs shape our identity is key. If we challenge and reshape our beliefs, we can change how we see ourselves and improve our lives.

Reclaiming Productivity: Time Management Tips + Reclaim.ai Review

19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Management Productivity Tools Leadership Time management
  1. Time blocking is a powerful method for managing tasks and improving productivity. It's not just about scheduling hours for work but really planning out all your tasks and priorities.
  2. Using tools like Reclaim.ai can help you keep everything organized and ensure that tasks get done. It can also make rescheduling easier when plans change.
  3. To improve time management, identify your tasks, prioritize them, and don't hesitate to delegate. Regularly review your strategies to see what's working for you.

Welcome to QUALITY BOSS ✨

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Quality Engineering Leadership Women in Tech Personal Development
  1. The blog focuses on quality engineering and leadership in the tech industry. It's a space to share professional experiences and insights.
  2. It highlights the unique challenges and successes that women face in technology. This perspective aims to encourage others in the field.
  3. The author started writing as a hobby and wanted a platform to express her professional thoughts and advice. It's meant to be a community for exploration and learning.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 13

0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise Self-care Mental health Physical health Lifestyle
  1. Exercise is really important for your physical health and helps improve your brain and mental health too. Getting your body moving can make you feel a lot better.
  2. You don't need fancy equipment to exercise. Simple activities like walking or jogging can help you stay healthy and feel good.
  3. Today, try to get your heart rate up through some fun physical activities. Just remember to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Nine

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Self-care Healthy Eating Lifestyle Wellness Tips
  1. Eating healthy snacks can be made easier by prepping and keeping them visible. This way, healthy choices are just as convenient as junk food.
  2. Stock your fridge with fresh fruits and veggies that are easy to grab. This encourages you to snack healthier, like choosing carrot sticks over chips.
  3. Find snacks you enjoy, like apple slices with peanut butter, and consider tools that make them easier to prepare, like an apple slicer.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Five

0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Lifestyle Nutrition Outdoor activities
  1. Fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood and energy levels. Even a little time outside can make you feel better throughout the day.
  2. Getting outside is especially important in winter when it’s dark and cold. Sunshine can help combat feelings of tiredness and sadness.
  3. Taking short breaks outdoors, like walking or enjoying a drink in the sun, can refresh your mind and body. Little moments of fresh air make a big difference!

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Three

0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Journaling Emotional Wellbeing Personal Growth
  1. Journaling is a personal activity that helps you process your thoughts and emotions. It's a private space where you can express yourself freely.
  2. Taking at least five minutes to reflect on your past year can be insightful. Think about what you want to carry into the new year and what you want to leave behind.
  3. Building a journaling habit can take time, but it can really help when you're feeling stuck or anxious.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day Two

0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mindfulness Mental health Personal Development Gratitude
  1. Practicing gratitude can help improve your mood and mindset. You can do this by simply thinking about or saying out loud what you're thankful for.
  2. You don't need a partner to practice gratitude. You can choose to write it down, say it out loud, or just think about it by yourself.
  3. Start small by naming a few things you feel grateful for each day. It can be a powerful and uplifting daily habit.

Getting Started as a Quality Engineer

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Software Testing Quality Assurance
  1. Start with exploratory testing to learn the basics of software quality. You can practice this by using any application you regularly use.
  2. Once you find bugs, learn how to document and report them properly. This practice is key to getting recognized in the quality engineering field.
  3. Familiarize yourself with essential tools like APIs and Chrome DevTools, especially if you want to move into automation. Free online courses can help you build your skills.