Leading and Shaping a Testing Team with the Testing Wheel: Daniel Knott [Testμ 2022]

At the Testμ Conference 2022, Daniel Knott, Head of Software Testing at MaibornWolff GmbH, shared insights on leading and managing diverse testing teams using the concept of the "testing wheel," which he introduced alongside Sudhir Joshi from LambdaTest. The testing wheel is a framework comprising eight categories—Understand the Project Needs, Testing Essentials, Test Automation, Get it Done, Listen & Learn, Testing Team, Personal Growth, and Agile—designed to improve team communication and development without being used for performance reviews. Knott emphasized the importance of career advice, personal growth, and adapting to various skill sets within a team, highlighting that leaders should guide their members effectively and ensure everyone feels supported to prevent turnover. The session also covered practical challenges such as maintaining motivation in short sprints and handling hybrid work cultures, with Knott sharing personal anecdotes and answering audience questions about team dynamics, resource allocation, and leadership confidence.