Posts

Career Development Tip #1

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For some time now, a fellow tester and friend has encouraged me to write and share a few thoughts on career development. I’m now attempting to do just that—confidently sharing the key factors that have helped shape my own career, along with a practical tip. Most of us enter the workforce unaware of what truly contributes to building a fulfilling career or how to actively develop it. So, where did I look for guidance when it came to career growth? A senior professional in the training department immediately caught my attention as a newcomer to the corporate world. This individual displayed a level of confidence in their work that stood out—not because of a fancy job title or strategic friendliness with their manager, nor by doing their manager’s job in addition to their own over extended hours. The growth I observed in them came from how consistently and brilliantly they showed up at work each day. Super confident—yes, and I also became aware that their own team members often mocked thi...
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On gaining perspective.

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During a recent interview, I was asked, “Why does your resume state that you lead with empathy?” My straightforward response was that I do not know any other way to lead. The leaders I admire include Marie Curie, who carried radioactive materials in her pocket for the greater good, and Shankar Nag, who proactively undertook the responsibility of traveling abroad to study modern transportation systems without waiting for formal assignments. To elaborate, I choose to lead with empathy deliberately. This perspective, which some may find uncommon, arises from my own experiences with managers who lacked empathy. As one interviewer insightfully remarked, I learned a great deal about leadership by observing “how not to lead.” Many of us share this experience, having worked under managers who, at the slightest disagreement, became a significant impediment—transforming what should have been a positive and enriching learning environment into a challenging one. If, as an interviewer, you inquire ...
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COMMUNICATE

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All is not well—but it can be, through effective communication. I have considered removing the following passage from an earlier blog post on several occasions: “It is not the salary, raises, bonuses, or promotions that truly motivate individuals at work. Rather, it is the presence of a secure and encouraging environment that enables us to collaborate happily and effectively. Strive to make your team feel valued each day, for you are far greater than the negative politics and biases that may surround you. Work transcends language barriers, and working together free from bias is rewarding. While life continues beyond any single job or career, integrity, meaningful human connections, and lasting memories give life its true purpose. Without these, one might simply be ‘employed’ without fulfillment.” However, I have chosen to retain these words, and for good reason: There remain many professionals who find the corporate world challenging and burdensome. Too often, individuals face language...
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