Transitioning to a Safety and Quality Organization

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the challenges and benefits of transitioning to a safety and quality organization within an engineering team. We will explore strategies for successfully navigating this change and driving improvements in product safety and quality. Our discussion is based on a recent exchange among top-tier engineers, where they shared their experiences and insights on this topic.

The Importance of Flexibility and Teamwork

One of the key qualities that emerged from the conversation was the importance of flexibility and teamwork in a dynamic engineering environment. The engineers emphasized the value of being adaptable and willing to take on different assignments, even in the face of uncertainty. As one engineer put it, "Someone who is flexible and willing to do whatever it takes is a great asset to the team."

Navigating a New Tech Stack

The engineers also discussed the challenges of transitioning to a new tech stack and training junior team members without the presence of senior mentors. They explored different strategies for managing this situation, such as splitting the team between different projects to ensure a balance of learning opportunities. One engineer suggested, "Try one sprint with a senior person on one project and the other two juniors on the other. This way, you can have a mix of experience levels and ensure that everyone is learning and growing."

Tracking Wins in QA

Tracking wins in QA can be a complex task, as the metrics may not always be clear-cut. The engineers discussed the difficulty of quantifying the value of QA work, especially when it comes to performance reviews. One engineer shared, "The number of bugs you find is based on the quality of the development, and how quickly bugs are closed is mostly based on the development teams. So it's in the middle there of tracking the QA team performance." They suggested focusing on metrics such as the number of tests run and the frequency of test execution to demonstrate the team's value.

Emphasizing Resilience and Teamwork

The engineers highlighted the importance of resilience and teamwork in a QA organization. They emphasized the value of individuals who are willing to go above and beyond their assigned tasks and support the team as a whole. One engineer noted, "Flexibility and being a team player are qualities that I really value. It's important to have people who are willing to work together and support each other in a dynamic environment."

Conclusion

Transitioning to a safety and quality organization within an engineering team can present both challenges and benefits. By emphasizing flexibility, teamwork, and a focus on metrics, engineering teams can successfully navigate this change and drive improvements in product safety and quality. As one engineer concluded, "It's exciting to be in the core product and contribute to its success. With the right mindset and a collaborative approach, we can achieve great results."