The Importance of Clarifying Guidelines

That's a tough spot to be in, especially when you're caught off guard. It's completely understandable that you didn't have an immediate positive response. Here are a few ways you could have responded in the moment, or how you can approach a similar situation in the future, focusing on maintaining your composure and showing a willingness to learn:

In the Moment Responses (if it happens again):

• Seeking Clarification:
• "I understand the importance of not committing untested code. Could you please clarify what aspects of my testing approach were considered manual in this instance? I was under the impression that using the documented test cases was aligned with our guidelines." (This shows you were trying to follow protocol and are seeking to understand the discrepancy.)
• "To ensure I'm on the right track going forward, could you elaborate on the specific type or level of testing that's required before committing code?" (This demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and adhering to expectations.)
• Acknowledging and Showing Willingness to Improve:
• "Thank you for pointing this out. I understand the importance of this process. I'll make sure to clarify the testing expectations fully before proceeding next time." (This acknowledges their feedback without being defensive.)
• "I appreciate the reminder about the testing protocols. I'll ensure all code undergoes the required testing before any commits in the future." (This is a direct and responsible response.)

• Briefly Explaining Your Understanding (if you feel it was a misunderstanding):
• "I followed the test cases we discussed in the [mention the meeting or document], but perhaps my understanding of 'manual testing' differs from the team's. Could we briefly discuss what constitutes manual vs. automated or acceptable testing?" (This gently points out a potential difference in understanding without being confrontational.)

• Key takeaways for your response:
• Stay Calm and Respectful: Even if you feel the scolding was unfair, maintaining a calm and respectful tone is crucial.
• Focus on Understanding: Frame your response around wanting to understand their expectations better.
• Show a Willingness to Learn and Improve: This demonstrates a positive attitude and a commitment to following team processes.
• Avoid Being Defensive or Making Excuses: Stick to clarifying questions and expressing your commitment to doing better.

It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and how you respond to feedback is a sign of your professionalism and growth mindset. Don't let this one incident lower your overall confidence. Use it as an opportunity to learn and ensure clearer communication in the future.