Leading in QA

When this topic first came up, the plan was to discuss the unique challenges of leading in a QA environment. And let’s be honest—QA leadership is no walk in the park. I’ve got the grey hairs to prove it: constant re-planning, shifting goals, last-minute changes, and juggling the priorities of multiple stakeholders. However, as the conversation progressed, we realized that these challenges aren’t unique to QA—they’re the reality of leadership everywhere.

No matter what field you’re in, leadership is about managing competing priorities, adapting on the fly, and making tough calls. One trap I see leaders fall into is trying to make everyone happy. Let’s face it: that’s a pipe dream. Even during my MBA, we all agreed that no decision will please everyone.

Here’s my approach: I aim for a decision where no one is completely happy. Sounds odd, right? But hear me out. I encourage people to discuss the impact of decisions with each other—not just with me —but also about the impact of those decisions. I encourage them to consider compromise, listen to every side, and strive to find a middle ground. Some will be more upset than others, but the process gives everyone a sense of ownership. It’s not about ruling with an iron fist; it’s about collaborative leadership.

By the time I bring everyone together, I’ve usually made a decision based on the available data. But here’s the catch: you rarely have all the data. Group discussions or even a couple of emails often reveal hidden issues that could derail the plan. That’s why involving people early and often is crucial. Surprises are inevitable—what matters is how you handle them.

Being a QA Lead has been the most challenging job I’ve held. Why? Because you have all the responsibility and very little absolute authority. Imagine being waist-deep in mud, with a rope just out of reach, while people who could help have their backs turned and are wearing headphones. That’s what it can feel like.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The challenge is getting people who don’t report to you to take action—and sometimes influencing those you report to as well. You’re leading without authority, managing risks, and planning for the unknown. It’s tough, but it’s possible, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. Success comes down to how you treat others and how you win them over.

A great QA Lead tells it like it is, takes initiative, makes informed decisions (and keeps me informed), and plans ahead. The schedule will almost always seem unreasonable. Welcome to the world of QA! I’ve never seen a perfect project plan. This is your chance to show resilience and, yes, innovation. And by innovation, I don’t just mean new tools; I mean creative thinking and finding better ways to get things done.

If I hear, “We’ve always done it this way,” it’s a red flag. That mindset shuts the door on improvement. Every process can be improved—even small tweaks can lead to significant results or reveal new opportunities.

Despite the challenges, being a QA Lead was also the most rewarding role I’ve had. It taught me to lead without authority—skills I use every day in my current role. These lessons are easily transferable and make any team stronger.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!