Whose side are you on?

Posted by Ben Simo

Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.
- Zig Ziglar

Many software teams would be better if the testers and developers clearly understood that they are on the same side.

No one creates a team to battle their team members. Husbands and wives don't embark on life together so that they can spend their lives battling each other. Software development teams aren't formed to create conflict within a company. Yet, conflict happens. Partners become the victims of friendly fire.

When the going gets tough, the tough need to stop bickering long enough to realize that they are on the same team. Here are a few tips that can help keep a team together.

• Keep the common mission in sight
• Seek first to understand, then to be understood (Stephen Covey)
• Help others overcome obstacles instead of assigning blame
• Praise good work
• Be honest and tactful
  

Although each team member may serve a different role, it is essential that teams value the input of each member and work together to accomplish the common mission. Testers and developers should not be enemies.