Well, it took me a while to figure out my own comfort zone since I have never thought so deeply about it. Whatever has been thrown at me a ‘testing task’ so far, I tried to get through it like a go-getter. But hey, we all have special likings and comforts towards something or the other.
Thinking about it made me realise that, I sort of feel satisfied with the testing philosophy and knowledge I have received through James Bach, Dr. Cem Kaner, Jerry Weinberg and Michael Bolton (to name a few). My expertise are mainly with helping teams/organisations implement this knowledge/philosophy (especially around RST) in a way that fits better with their contexts. Indeed, it’s not as easy as ‘one idea that fits all’ thing and rather requires me to constantly read, re-learn and understand the ideas so that I can find context appropriate solutions for different problems. But I too want to have something that I can claim to be my own thing, theory and work. Yes, I do teach my classes and workshops with my own methods and ways of explaining things but the key concepts are primarily inspired by the work that has been already done by experts mentioned above.
While discussing testing with James Bach the other day, he told me that as his student, he wants me to “innovate” and bring fresh ideas, perspectives to testing. And that’s what I am currently working on. I am reading and researching around ancient Vedic scriptures that I feel would help me bring new ideas to testing or may be to re-learn existing ideas in different light (which is equally important).
That’s the kind of stepping out of my comfort zone for me. Unfortunately, it’s a long process but I’m sure that it will be worth it. I am excited about what I’m currently working on and am equally excited to bring it on the table for the community to see,comment and feedback.
Thanks to #20DaysofTesting@XING challenge for making me serious about it once again. Until tomorrow then folks…
Best,
Lalit