Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To: Lessons in Mentorship with Rachel Kibler (A PNSQC Live Blog)

I have known Rachel for several years so it was quite fun to sit in on this session and hear about struggles I recognized all to well. I have tried training testers over the years, some I've been successful with, others not so much. When a new tester comes along quickly, seems to get it, and digs testing, that's the ultimate feeling (well, *an* ultimate feeling). 

However, as Rachel points out, it’s also full of potential missteps, and as she said clearly at the beginning, "Believe me, I’ve made plenty!" This was a candid and honest reflection of what it takes to be a mentor and help others who are interested in becoming testers, as well as those who may not really want to become testers, but we mentor them anyway.

We can sum this whole session up really quickly with "Learning from our mistakes is what makes us better mentors—and better humans"... but what's the fun in that ;)?

Mistake 1: One-Size-Fits-All Training Doesn’t Work

There is no single, ideal method to teach testing that would work for everyone. Rachel had clear plans and expected to get consistent results. However, "people are not vending machines". You can’t just input the same words and expect identical outcomes. Each person learns differently, has different experiences, and responds to unique challenges.

Mistake 2: Setting the Wrong Challenges

It's possible to give team members tasks that are either too difficult or too easy, failing to gauge their current abilities. The result? Either they are overwhelmed and lost confidence, or they felt under-challenged and disengaged. Tailoring challenges to a trainee’s current skill level not only builds their confidence but also keeps them engaged and motivated. As mentors, our role is to provide enough support to help them succeed while still pushing them to grow.

Mistake 3: Don't Forget the Human Element

At the end of the day, we’re working with humans. Rachel’s talk highlights the importance of remembering that training isn’t just about passing on technical knowledge—it’s about building relationships.  Everyone has unique needs, emotions, and motivations. By focusing on the human element, we can create an environment where people feel supported and valued, making them more likely to succeed.

Mistake 4: Not Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Mistakes are opportunities to learn. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones. Whether it’s a trainee misunderstanding a concept or a mentor misjudging a situation, these moments are chances to grow. They teach us humility, patience, and resilience.

Rachel’s talk is a reminder that no one is a perfect mentor right out of the gate. The process of becoming a great mentor is filled with trial and error, reflection, and growth. Also, Imposter Syndrome is very real and it can be a doozy to overcome.  Ultimately, the key takeaway is this: mentorship is a journey, not a destination. We will make mistakes along the way, but those mistakes will help shape us into more effective, empathetic, and responsive mentors.