As an IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) Approved Training Partner we’re often asked how can I become a better auditor?
Whether auditing quality, environmental management, health & safety or any one of a number of ISO management system standards (ISO9001:2015 or ISO27001;2022 for example) there’s one core competency that good auditors all have in common, they’re good listeners. To those new to auditing the techniques used can at first appear daunting but just remember an audit is a conversation. Asking the right questions can inform and ultimately evidence as to whether an organisation is compliant or not. But to do that an auditor has to firstly ask the right questions and secondly, listen to what’s said. Of course, there are other elements to audit but a conversation isn’t a bad starting point, especially if it includes building rapport with the auditee and remember emotional intelligence is more important than ever when auditing.
If you don’t ask you don’t get
Way back in the 1930’s Dale Carnegie said in his book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ ‘be a good listener’ and of course ‘ask questions the other person will enjoy answering.’
So, when preparing for an audit think of those questions you need to ask and think about the auditee and how you’d like the conversation to go. Sounds simple doesn’t it but there are some simple things you can do to help the conversation go well. Think about the dynamics of any dialogue, not asking too many questions, or too few, think about information exchange and the best way to facilitate the evidence of conformity you seek. Think about cooperation and your conversational goals, your questions may be linked to clauses within the standards but it should appear seamless, make sure the audit interview flows in a way doesn’t disrupt the information exchange that’s taking place.
Conversations Styles
Conversations can range from competitive to cooperative and of course which style you achieve can greatly affect the audit outcome and the ease, not to mention effectiveness of how its conducted.
- Think about how you use questions and what answers you anticipate or may expect in a conforming situation.
- Use open questions, nothing closes down a conversation quicker than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response
- Ask questions in a logical sequence
- Consider audit trails or what the next question might be
- Adjust the EQ – Include those elements of emotional intelligence or quotient that will facilitate a successful audit.
Above all have fun, make it enjoyable for you and the auditee, perhaps that’s one of the secrets to being a good auditor, enjoy what you’re doing. A conversation might even assist you in ensuring you conduct an effective audit, who’d have though it was that simple.
For more information on this or other audit topics please contact QCS International, join us in a training event or engage with one of our consultant auditors. Contact our office on 01236-734447 or info@qcsl.co.uk.