Testing Mixtapes: Quality beats, curated by testers is an interview series by Qase. For each interview, we ask leaders from the QA, software development, and testing industries to share a little about themselves, dig into a topic they’re passionate about, and create a mixtape that matches their vibe.
Rock out to the latest Testing Mixtape and learn how Eric Terry uses emotional intelligence in leadership.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I’ll start with an icebreaker that most of your audience is familiar with: 2 Truths and 1 Lie.
- My early career was quite different. I started out as a paramedic and police officer candidate.
- I was a highly recruited football player.
- I did a great job at selling Mary Kay as a side hustle.
I’ll point out which is false later on. More about this iteration of life/career. I am the Director of Quality Control for Eversana Intouch. We’re a marketing agency that helps pharma connect with patients and healthcare providers.
I cut my professional teeth in tech working as a tester during the Y2K craze. What a time to be alive! Since then, I have worked as a software engineer, a systems analyst, and people manager
Is there a particular experience that inspired you to dig deeper into emotional intelligence in leadership?
I don’t think I can point to one thing in particular. It has been more the systemic lack of awareness that many in our industry suffer from. We often get bogged down in how cool this/that piece of tech is, “the path” into the industry, or some other toxic behavior that dissuades junior professionals.
There are a lot of talented people doing amazing things. We need them. We also need talented people in leadership. I’m not necessarily talking about a title here. One of my favorite presentations on leadership is from John C. Maxwell. He talks about his 5 levels of leadership. I encourage your audience to take a look at the video.
Do you feel being an emotionally intelligent leader helps your team be more successful?
100%. My top priority is making sure I remove obstacles for my team. One way I do that is by making sure my actions do not add to their stress levels. I get to know my people. I take an interest in them as people. I learn what makes them tick, what situations trigger stress, and how they handle stress.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is not about managing others. It is about managing yourself. Can you show compassion and extend grace to direct reports? Can you have crucial conversations without making it personal? Do you seek to understand when there is an issue? Are you mindful? Are you self aware?
I do my best to model this behavior for my team. It may sound strange to some folks because I did not mention anything about managing the team. This is one of the few times when it really is all about you.
Is compassion fatigue a risk for emotionally intelligent leaders?
It is a constant risk! However, there are ways to mitigate. Leaders need to schedule and plan downtime. Even more so for high EQ folks. You cannot be in game mode 24/7.
The great news is there is no one-size-fits-all way to approach rest and relaxation. Do you need to go on a “darkness retreat”? Maybe, maybe not. Again, this is a time where you must consider your needs as a human. What makes you tick? What brings you joy?
Taking care of our emotional and physical wellbeing is critical. Much like caregivers, we are not as effective if we are down or have unmet needs.
Multiple Intelligences Theory believes that there are 2 types of emotional intelligence, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Do you feel it’s important for leaders to have levels of both?
I may have gotten ahead of you with how I answered the other questions. We can likely find an inter/intra dynamic to most topics. EQ is no different. I am certain the majority of my interactions with others will be positive if I am good at self-regulation and self-awareness. Those are two of the 5 components tied to EQ. Empathy and social skills, two of the remaining components, are externally focused. Lastly, motivation is something I feel belongs to both the interpersonal and intrapersonal realms.
Emotional intelligence doesn’t come naturally to everyone, is there anything people can do to develop or improve their EQ?
No. You either have it or you don’t!
I am completely joking about that. There are plenty of ways to help develop our EQ. The first thing to do is assess where you are right now. I’m a fan of Clifton Strengthsfinder from Gallup. I believe they expanded to 6 core competencies, but the sentiment is the same. Gallup also has a fantastic coaching video that covers developing emotional intelligence.
The next thing is to practice your newly gained skills. You will have great days and you will have some horrible days. Don’t give up. I recall a story my coach told me of a time he had low EQ. It involved one of his in-laws. Coach said he reacted in a way that was not his proudest moment. This just goes to illustrate that human communication is tough. Some folks know how to push your buttons. It is up to us to practice self-awareness and self-regulation.
Can developing emotional intelligence help improve someone’s testing skills?
It couldn’t hurt. I know there is some negativity out there around acknowledging and understanding the hardships of others. However, we can deliver better products when we exercise our EQ muscles. Accessibility and other user experience testing areas are often overlooked.
What is the one piece of advice you feel is most important for the testing community to hear?
W. Edwards Deming once said, “Quality is everyone’s responsibility.” I agree with that 100%. Testers must learn to use EQ to have conversations of collaboration instead of confrontation. We have to have a spirit of cooperation instead of being combative. Tap into your EQ and you can influence the project team and stakeholders to focus on quality from the beginning.
Tell us a little about your mixtape
This was harder than I thought. I picked a sample from my library. There is a little of everything in there. A couple of genres that are missing from this list: classical and country. They just didn’t make the random cut.
Wu-Tang, DMX and Rick James transport me to childhood memories, playing and being a knucklehead on my block.
I was introduced to Bowie, Jimi, and Metallica in high school. Representing continued learning and growth.
Mos, Aloe, Sade, and Tony! Toni! Toné! are smooth and chill. I’m laid back and easy going most of the time.
MJ - Seems like I’m always workin’ day and night!
Where can we find you?
On Linkedin
…and as for that lie? My career took me many directions but I was never a highly recruited football player.
Don’t forget to listen to Eric’s mixtape!
Want to make your own Testing Mixtape? Fill out this form to be considered!
Testing Mixtapes: quality beats, curated by testers, was inspired by the Tester’s Island Discs podcast originally created by Neil Studd and sponsored by Ministry of Testing. We are grateful they’ve allowed us to continue the concept to showcase some of the valued members of the testing community.
