A good QA, test, or QA/Test(combined) manager should:

  • be familiar with the software development process
  • be able to maintain enthusiasm of their team and promote a positive atmosphere, despite what is a somewhat ‘negative’ process (e.g., looking for or preventing problems)
  • be able to promote teamwork to increase productivity
  • be able to promote cooperation between software, test, and QA engineers
  • have the diplomatic skills needed to promote improvements in QA processes
  • have the ability to withstand pressures and say ‘no’ to other managers when quality is insufficient or QA processes are not being adhered to
  • have people judgment skills for hiring and keeping skilled personnel
  • be able to communicate with technical and non-technical people, engineers, managers, and customers.
  • be able to run meetings and keep them focused