I recently participated in a Q&A with Risk Training Professionals (RTP) to share my thoughts on the world of Integrated Management Systems (IMS) auditing.
As an IMS Lead Auditor trainer, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of auditing and achieve excellence in their roles. I have found working with RTP to be rewarding and meaningful as the content and experience of the team is second to none.
In Part 2 of this interview, I’ll be answering questions about professional development, career advice, challenges and resistance, staying current, and job satisfaction.
Be sure to check out the Part 1 of the interview on Risk Training Professionals’ website, where I talk about the importance of ISO Management Systems, the benefits and misconceptions of ISO Certification, and auditing processes and challenges.
Q&A Part 2 Transcript
Risk Training Professionals: What is the most rewarding part of being an ISO management systems trainer?
Micheal Martin: Seeing the understanding on the faces when trainees see quick easy ways to make improvements in their own system.
RTP: Can you share a success story where training you delivered significantly impacted an organisation?
MM: A document controller was having issues with managers from other departments withholding their processes. The trainee went away after the training with the knowledge and ability to take ownership of all documents in the entire company.
RTP: How do you tailor your training programs to different learners’ needs?
MM: I always start by asking the room what their “one thing” is. I keep note and intentionally give extra examples for each one during training. When discussing examples, I often refer to the roles of the people in the room so they can better understand the content from their relative position of responsibility.
RTP: What are the most challenging aspects of training people on ISO standards?
MM: Language. Terms and definitions are important, and many people today use terms that mean something else. When asked to clarify I usually respond with; “What does the standard say?”
RTP: How do you stay updated with the latest developments and changes in ISO standards?
MM: I receive information from the IAF, ISO, JASANZ, Exemplar Global and RTP.
RTP: What advice would you give to young professionals looking to become ISO auditors or trainers?
MM: Start auditing as soon as the opportunity arises. Any exposure to audits is valuable.
If you come to training with no experience then everything is theory but if you come with some experience, even limited or some negative experience, we can build on that experience so you can make the process a more positive experience in future.
RTP: What inspired you to pursue a career in ISO management systems?
MM: I was the guy who “managed the auditor”. Years ago, that is what managers did. Once I realised that the standards and the auditors could bring efficiency and consistency then I had an epiphany. I now promote the benefits and get great feedback as a result.
RTP: What has been your most memorable experience as an ISO trainer/auditor?
MM: Years ago, I was asked by a managing director where they needed to focus their effort so they could scale and maybe franchise. I told them a good risk management process and document control were the starting point. At the time they laughed about document control as it was a low priority to their team. Years later the Managing Director still says he was wrong to laugh and realised almost too late that, for a growing organisation, document control should be in the top three areas of focus
RTP: How do you handle resistance or pushback during training or audits?
MM: I usually respond with; “What does the standard say?”
Let the person pushing back do the talking around the requirement and if they disagree their disagreement is with the standard and not with me. I can then be a coach around interpreting the requirement and assist them to develop a workable solution.
RTP: What qualities do you believe are essential for someone in your field?
MM: Patience. Diligence. Keep lots of notes. Broad experience. Good communication and to be a great listener.
RTP: What do you enjoy most about your job?
MM: Helping people avoid the mistakes I made. Over my almost thirty years in business, I have made my share of mistakes and witnessed may mistakes made by others. I am at a stage in my life where I feel it is important to help others to achieve their goals more easily.
I hope you found this Q&A insightful and that it provided you with some valuable perspectives. For more insights and updates on their certified training programs, visit Risk Training Professionals’ website.
If you are interested in more information on integrated systems take a look at our blogs here.
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