How to Address a Developer Not Testing Their Work: A Guide for FAANG Product Managers

Introduction

Aspiring product managers facing FAANG interviews must be prepared to solve not just strategic product questions, but also real-world operational issues they could encounter on the job. A typical issue in software development is ensuring the work is properly tested. If a developer isn’t testing their work, how should a product manager address this? Here, we’ll discuss using proven frameworks to construct an effective approach to this common problem.

Detailed Guide on Framework Application

We’ll leverage the SPIDR framework to systematically address this issue: Situation, Problem, Impact, Decision, and Review. Let’s examine each component.

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a. Choosing the Framework

The SPIDR framework is a practical choice for operational issues, guiding us to probe deeper into the situation to uncover underlying causes before proposing solutions.

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b. Applying the Framework

* **Situation:** Understand the context. Are other developers testing their work? Is there a lack of understanding or resources?
* **Problem:** Define what the core issue is. A developer not testing their code can lead to bugs, which may decrease customer satisfaction and increase technical debt.
* **Impact:** Measure the problem’s implications. What kind of impact is this having on product quality, team velocity, and user trust?
* **Decision:** Propose a decision or a set of actionable steps to resolve the issue. This could involve introducing mandatory code reviews, additional testing resources, or even training sessions on the importance of testing.
* **Review:** After implementing the decision, review its effectiveness. Have there been improvements in code quality? Is the developer adhering to the new processes?

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c. Hypothetical Examples

For instance, assume a product manager discovers that code testing is seen as time-consuming because there’s no automated testing suite. The solution could be to invest in test automation tools, which would save time in the long run and ensure consistent testing practices.

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d. Fact Checks

Knowing the average ratio of developers to QA testers in the industry can inform whether it’s reasonable for developers to rely solely on a separate QA team or if they should be testing their work as well. This can guide decision-making.

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e. Interview Communication Tips

When discussing operational issues, use specific examples and demonstrate an understanding of the developers’ perspective. Be empathetic but also data-driven in your approach to problem-solving.

Conclusion

An effective product manager must tackle not only strategic challenges but also operational issues like a developer not testing their work. The SPIDR framework is a practical tool to analyze the situation and devise impactful solutions. By practicing this approach, aspiring product managers can prepare to convincingly address such problems during their FAANG interviews – and in their subsequent roles.