Why on earth every time someone mentions an upcoming audit people ask about the state of preparation? Why companies waste scarce resource on activities which undermine the entire concept of standardised work? Why top management applaud firefighting and call it proactivity? Why finance department accept the cost of non-value-added work carried out by the personnel?
Stop preparing for audits and show the real picture.
One would assume that once a framework (standard etc.) has been implemented and independently certified it should become embedded within the business structure. Internal audits would pick up issues and help identify opportunities for improvement. Management review would be used to maximise the overall effort and support the staff. After all, the alignment with standards should form part of long term business planning. Oh, how often this is not the case!
What’s wrong with this picture?
Don’t read further if you only want a certificate on the wall
Business can benefit from standards via improved workflows, better resource allocation, reduced waste, new opportunities for improvement etc. However, it requires leadership, strategic and local planning, education and consistent execution.
If internal forces are only mobilised shortly before an external audit be prepared for the consequences.
3 immediate benefits
1. Embrace the reality
External audits help to uncover business deficiencies.
Work closely with auditors and learn how to promote change. Use all findings to the advantage of the company. Communicate positively to win people’s attention. Expect support from the top management. I mean it! Always expect support from the top management.
2. Manage resistance to change
Lack of engagement in any initiative will inevitably lead to further empowerment of the “status quo”. Company-wide programs require constant communication and intelligent management. Taking shortcuts creates an opportunity for people to lose interest and drift away from the initiative.
Audit the current state and engage the team. Both positive and negative findings can be used to promote change. Think of corrective actions as “easy wins”.
3. Eradicate blaming culture
It seems unfair and unreasonable to expect responsibility and accountability when systems lack leadership and management. Expectations, roles & responsibilities and targets are not set. If executives get involved only when the company fails an external audit, it is very likely that someone will be blamed. Suddenly the team loses because of the individual(s).
Failure to comply with the standard can help to open people eyes. It’s a golden opportunity to re-evaluate company principles and priorities.
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