Being a specialist in a team with Ash Winter

To bring specialists into teams with different skill sets takes good communication and a knowledge of the history of the team you’re integrating. Doing this well means everyone can point their skills at solving problems.Ash Winter is an experienced software tester who has a particular interest in how teams and organisations work. Ash has been a software tester for over 15 years, and has experience as a consultant, helping organisations improve their testing processes.In his role he’s seen a wide range of team structures and sizes, and he’s particularly focused on the challenges and opportunities of being a specialist within a team.Three reasons to listenUnderstand the unique challenges and opportunities of being a specialist in a cross-functional teamExplore the impact of team history and dynamics on integrating new specialistsLearn about the evolving role of software testers and their influence in modern development teamsEpisode highlights[00:09:14] Testing teams[00:14:29] The problem with "embedding" into a team[00:16:30] The Spotify model[00:19:48] Communities of practice[00:22:57] Agile methodologies with multidisciplinary teams[00:28:05] The benefits of a coaching qualification[00:30:19] Ash's book recommendation[00:31:42] Takeaways from Dan and PiaLinksConnect with Ash via LinkedInTeam Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow, by Matthew Skelton & Pais ManuelThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, by Patrick LencioniThe Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement, by Eliyahu GoldrattThe Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win, by Gene KimLeave us a voice note