I’m teaching a workshop on how to build a test strategy at GLSEC in Michigan. The workshop focuses as much on creative thinking and strategic thinking as drafting a test strategy document.

Over the years, I’ve often focused on deepening and continuing my technology knowledge with less focus on business and strategic thinking. I’m sure this has to do with my background and comfort zone; I’m used to learning new technologies all the time but less used to thinking about business strategy. In recent time, I’m schooling myself in strategy as much as technology. Without a business background, it’s a less familiar learning path. And as a tester (in my experience), I often didn’t have to (or ignored) thinking much about strategy – at least strategy from a team or product point of view. My strategic thinking was more immediately-centered on breaking whatever application I was working with. But from the perspective of leading a team, there is more and other things to think through.