How can you build relationships with people in different companies for Quality Assurance?

1 Communicate clearly and respectfully

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, especially in QA. You need to communicate clearly and respectfully with people from different companies, using the appropriate channels, tools, and formats. For example, you can use email, phone, video call, chat, or project management software to share information, updates, and requests. You should also use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and slang, and follow the agreed-upon standards and protocols. Moreover, you should communicate respectfully, acknowledging the contributions, concerns, and feedback of others, and avoiding any rude or aggressive tone.

2 Understand the expectations and goals

Another tip to build relationships with people from different companies for QA is to understand the expectations and goals of each stakeholder. You need to know what they want to achieve, how they measure success, and what their challenges and constraints are. This will help you align your QA activities with their needs, deliver value, and avoid conflicts. For example, you can ask questions, conduct surveys, or review documents to understand the expectations and goals of your clients, vendors, partners, or contractors. You can also communicate your own expectations and goals, and negotiate any trade-offs or compromises if needed.

3 Provide feedback and recognition

Feedback and recognition are essential for building relationships with people from different companies for QA. You need to provide constructive and timely feedback to others, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of their work, and suggesting ways to improve. You should also be open to receiving feedback from others, and use it to learn and grow. Moreover, you should recognize and appreciate the efforts and achievements of others, and celebrate the milestones and successes. For example, you can send a thank-you note, a praise message, or a testimonial to someone who did a great job, or share a positive review or a case study with others.

4 Build trust and rapport

Trust and rapport are the foundation of any relationship, especially in QA. You need to build trust and rapport with people from different companies, by being honest, reliable, and consistent. You should also show interest and empathy for others, and try to understand their perspectives and feelings. For example, you can share some personal or professional information, stories, or experiences with others, or ask them about their hobbies, interests, or goals. You can also use humor, compliments, or gestures to break the ice and create a friendly atmosphere.

5 Collaborate and cooperate

Collaboration and cooperation are crucial for building relationships with people from different companies for QA. You need to collaborate and cooperate with others, by sharing your knowledge, skills, and resources, and working towards a common goal. You should also respect the roles, responsibilities, and boundaries of others, and avoid any interference or micromanagement. For example, you can invite others to join your QA team, or join theirs, and work together on testing, debugging, or improving a product or service. You can also support others when they face difficulties or challenges, and ask for their help when you need it.

6 Learn and improve

The last tip to build relationships with people from different companies for QA is to learn and improve. You need to learn and improve from your interactions with others, by seeking feedback, advice, or mentorship, and applying the best practices and lessons learned. You should also help others learn and improve, by offering feedback, advice, or mentorship, and sharing the best practices and lessons learned. For example, you can ask for a peer review, a recommendation, or a referral from someone who has more experience or expertise than you, or offer the same to someone who has less. You can also join or create a QA community, network, or group, and exchange ideas, insights, or opportunities with others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?