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When reviewing test data, it’s useful to know the version of the sequence file used to perform the test. Out of the box, TestStand does not record this information in the reports or the test result database. It’s an easy option to add, once you find all the data.

The sequence file revision number is a hidden property of the sequence file. First go to Configure|Station Options… and click on the Preferences tab. Now make sure the Show Hidden Properties checkbox is checked.

Now in your sequence file, add a statement step with the name ‘Version Number’ and use the following for the expression: Step.Result.ReportText= RunState.SequenceFile.Data.Version

This will create a test step and put the sequence file version number as the result. This will show up in the reports and in the test result database.

I stumbled across Change This a little while ago. I’ve read a few manifestos from them and kept coming back looking for more. My latest read is ChangeThis :: 25 Ways to Distinguish Yourself by Rajesh Setty.

This manifesto goes hand in hand with Tom Peters Brand You 50. Both talk about making yourself stand out from the crowd. Let’s face it, there are thousands of people who do what you do. How are you different? Does anyone know who you are? This manifesto contains 25 short tips on standing out from the crowd. These all seem to be excerpts from his new book Beyond Code. He also has a companion website lifebeyondcode.com. In this manifesto, he lists the following 25 tips and provides a short description o f what it means and why it’s important.

1. Care as if it’s your own.
2. Do your daily work with passion.
3. Build strong relationships.
4. Dream big!
5. Set the right expectations.
6. Ask for help.
7. Celebrate small victories.
8. Set higher standards.
9. Know your values.
10. Pursue right memberships.
11. Help people help themselves.
12. Be a reader.
13. Plan by outcomes.
14. Think long-term.
15. Embrace uncertainty with ease.
16. Ask the right questions.
17. Engage with a coach.
18. Be relevant.
19. Get back on your feet fast.
20. Lead a volunteer effort.
21. Balance innovation and continuous improvement.
22. Learn to sell.
23. Learn systems thinking.
24. Walk away from free.
25. Influence the influencers.

Rajesh gives a good overview of each of these topics that will make you think about how you approach everything you do.

Books mentioned in this post:

I’ve been working on improving my leadership skills lately. It started after reading the 7 habits and realizing that whether I became a manager or not, I was going to be thrust into a leadership role when my son came along.

The Leadership Challenge is the book I’m currently reading. It’s required reading at my work for all managers. I’m very impressed with it. It covers the same stuff as the 7 habits when it comes to leadership, but it does so in more detail. Kouzes and Posner cover some very heady concepts but manage to keep it interesting and quick by filling this book with stories and anecdotes that reinforce the point they’re trying to make.

I’ve barely scratched part one of this book, yet I’ve found so many places where I need to pay attention. I find too easily that I go into a critical mode or that I will tell a co-worker what the ideal process would be to get the job done, yet when in the same situation and under the gun, I take the shortcut. If I don’t change that part about me, there is no way I will be able to get anyone in my group to believe in my vision and to help transform us after the departure of our last great manager.

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