Managing a Team While on Leave

Managing a Team While on Leave

As engineering leaders, it is important for us to effectively manage our teams even when we are on leave. This can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies in place, it is possible to ensure a smooth workflow and maintain team productivity. In this article, we will discuss some tips and strategies for managing a team while on leave.

Finding a Deputy

One of the key challenges of managing a team while on leave is finding a suitable deputy who can step in and handle the responsibilities in your absence. It is important to choose someone who is capable and experienced enough to handle the role. However, it is also important to consider the impact of promoting someone from within the team.

According to one engineer, promoting someone from within the team can cause panic and uncertainty among team members. Instead, it is advisable to inform stakeholders that there will be no chain of command during your absence and to keep the team stable by avoiding major changes or new projects.

Ensuring Stability

Maintaining stability is crucial while you are on leave. This includes keeping the team focused on their current projects and minimizing any disruptions. It is important to communicate with stakeholders and let them know that there will be no escalation path during your absence. This will help ensure that the team remains stable and can continue their work without any major interruptions.

Additionally, it is important to have a plan in place for handling any unexpected issues that may arise. This may involve designating a senior team member to be available for immediate assistance or making sure that there is a clear process for decision-making in your absence.

Measuring Success

Measuring the success of a QA team can be challenging, but it is important to have clear metrics in place. One engineer suggests measuring the number of bugs found in production and the speed at which they are fixed. Additionally, measuring the success of the team in terms of customer satisfaction and their ability to maintain good relationships with other departments can also be valuable.

Another engineer suggests running regular surveys to gather feedback from stakeholders and team members. This can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the team is meeting the needs of the organization.

Stand-ups and Team Meetings

When it comes to tracking work and conducting stand-ups, different approaches can be taken. One engineer mentions embedding QA team members with specific development teams and having them participate in their stand-ups and sprint planning meetings. This allows for better collaboration and knowledge sharing.

On the other hand, another engineer suggests having regular team meetings every few weeks to discuss progress, challenges, and future plans. These meetings can be used to review the past two weeks, identify areas for improvement, and make decisions about the next steps.

Fostering Creativity

Maintaining creativity and excitement within a QA team can be a challenge, especially when the work involves repetitive tasks. One engineer suggests creating opportunities for team members to challenge each other and share knowledge. This can be done by having multiple team members work on the same project and encouraging junior members to challenge senior members.

Additionally, promoting the sharing of ideas and trying out new processes or tools can help keep the team engaged and motivated.

Conclusion

Managing a team while on leave requires careful planning and effective communication. By finding a suitable deputy, ensuring stability, measuring success, conducting regular stand-ups or team meetings, and fostering creativity, it is possible to effectively manage a team even when you are not physically present. Remember to communicate with stakeholders, keep the team focused on their current projects, and have a plan in place for handling unexpected issues. With these strategies in place, you can ensure a smooth workflow and maintain team productivity while on leave.