After putting out a call for AMA about Working as a Lone Tester, Ady Stokes asked, "How do you balance testing and influencing the team to make quality a priority?" This is a big question. Let's dive in. 

Quality, to me, is more like going on a journey versus a balancing act. It is a never-ending process of asking the questions, "What do we want?" and "How can we make this better?" Quality, as a north star, affects everything from usability, accessibility, performance, and intuitive design. Quality is big picture. So, when I am communicating with my team, I have to learn how to communicate "big picture" or systems thinking in everyday interactions.  

Mr. Rogers was right. Find the Quality Advocates in your organization who want to go on this journey with you. This could be anyone from the CEO to a customer support person. Developers make excellent Quality Advocates because working with teammates who care means that you can have conversations about what's being built. Working together is better than working alone. And, cultivating open and inviting conversations encourages an environment where Quality can thrive. 

As the lone QA, you can't do everything. Be honest about what you can and cannot do. If the team wants performance testing, but you are overloaded already with other tasks, be honest about them. Let your team know what you can and cannot do. If the team wants you to take on another task, ask them what they are okay with you letting go of. Being able to focus and protect yourself from burnout is crucial. Take on what you can do. Let go of what you can't. If this affects the quality of the product, ask if someone can take it on, or ask the team if they are willing to let it go as a team. That sounds scary, but there is no reason to put all the responsibility on yourself. Quality is everyone's responsibility. If you are overloaded, find ways to shed tasks that may not be the highest priority for where you are right now. 

Whimsy is a powerful communication style. So, is sharing scary QA stories about things breaking in production. Inspiration is contagious. Read something empowering or useful regarding Quality? Share it with your team! If you could imagine your Qulity space as it exists in your organization, what would it look like? Would it be dull and dreary? All reports and spreadsheets? Like the open office from Joe vs the Volcano? Or, would you prefer people come to a kitchen, a living room, or a lab? Where people are invited to talk, share, experiment, try things out, or even vent their frustration? In my opinion, if you want to make Quality a priority in your organization, start by connecting with people as people. You are here to help their cause. Make it evident in the everyday interactions they have with you. 

 Quality isn't a task you can check off. It's a journey to take. Sometimes the road is sunny and bright. Other times, it's stormy, and you'll need your raincoat. Regardless, if you can find ways to invite your team on the journey you are taking, you'll find yourself feeling less alone and having a good time while you're at it.