I am a lone tester and I work with two development teams. It is not possible to give both teams one hundred per cent of my time. If I don’t have a structure as to how to support both teams I can end up being pulled in multiple directions.
The structure I use is that I am a ‘chicken’ with one team and I am a ‘pig’ with the other team. If you are making a traditional British breakfast a chicken is helpful because it provides eggs, whereas the pig is committed because it provides bacon and sausages.
I am a ’chicken’ with one team. I am helpful. I go to stand up so I know what the team is working on. I offer advice and help, such as automating a test, if time allows.
I am a ‘pig’ with the other team. I am committed. I go to stand-up, planning, retros and any other meetings that the team has. I am involved in the team and support their work as a tester.
The metaphor of a ‘pig and a ‘chicken’ work, in that both teams know to what level I am available. I know also what work both teams are doing, can support them either as a ‘chicken’ or as a ‘pig’ and am able to cope with the workload from both teams. It is also a fun way of describing my relationship with the two teams.
Thank you to Rob Falla for the idea.
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