Move beyond the T-shape

Rob Lambert, Lisa Crispin and Janet Gregory worked on a great model called the T-shaped tester. Where the horizontal stands for our generic skills and competences. The vertical in the T describes our specialism. In my previous column – G(r)ood testing 16 – I discussed the competences that are associated with good testing. I stated that testing is a versatile profession and to be a good tester, we need to master many skills and competences. Should adopt more than one specialism? Yes, I think we should. Ross Dawson states in the article he wrote on this topic:

“It can be dangerous to have just one area of deep expertise, as the value of any single domain of expertise can erode rapidly with new developments. Complementary sets of deep expertise can make people extraordinary valuable, if combined with a breadth of perspective.”

In my new column G(r)ood testing 17  I state that it is time to move beyond the T-shape. Lets us introduce the π-shaped tester and an extended model like the comb-shaped one.

Like Iris Classon states: “Comb-skills I believe are hard to maintain, and some can pull it of- but definitive not everybody and you can become ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ instead of ‘Jack of all trades, master of many’”. So it might a wise thing to adopt the π-shape and develop a (read: only one) extra specialism to secure your future as a tester.

Read “G(r)ood testing 17: Beyond the T-shape, what specialisms do you develop” on the EuroSTAR community pages, learn about the π-shaped tester and how you can become one yourself.