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Boost Your ISO Confidence:

Essential Preparation Steps for Success

When I first started out as a certification auditor and an ISO trainer, I would prepare and practice for days before!

My preparation for certification audits consisted of a detailed audit checklist, printed pages of the previous audit report, an updated and prepared new audit report, plus post-it notes to remember my ISO standards and PPE.

My preparation for delivering training, was a run through of the slides, reference to my hand-written notes in the course workbook and hours of sitting at my computer practicing my delivery.

This preparation laid the groundwork for me to feel as confident as I could be before I was in front of my clients. This preparation gave me the best chance to be at my best for my clients. I still have preparation routines; however, they are not as detailed or lengthy. This is because I have built my confidence through continual delivery and now a majority of what I do is always similar, so I don’t have to prepare as much. However, if I am presenting a new subject, I absolutely still am an over-the-top preparer!

So, when I stumbled upon this quote on Instagram recently, it reminded me of how my preparation supports my confidence.

Then to further highlight this topic, recently I received an email from one of my coaching clients who I am working with to support them to become an ISO consultant.

Hi Jackie,

I wanted to reach out because I’ve been feeling quite nervous about my journey to becoming an ISO consultant. Even though I’ve been following the steps and doing my best to prepare, I sometimes worry that I won’t be confident enough when it’s time to face clients.

Do you have any advice on how to build confidence through practical steps? Are there specific preparation techniques, resources, or tools you recommend that can help me feel more prepared and assured? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this path.

Thank you so much for your support!

Best regards,
Alex

Receiving messages like Alex’s reminds me of the importance of preparation and the journey we all take to build our confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, remember that every step you take in preparation is a step towards earning that confidence.

Therefore, my preparation techniques, resources or tools that I shared with Alex were:

1.    Develop a Detailed Preparation Checklist
2.    Conduct Mock Audits or Consults
3.    Utilize Previous Audit Reports
4.    Regularly Review ISO standards
5.    Seek Feedback and Mentorship

How to Build Confidence the HBR Way

In the Harvard Business Review article "How to Build Confidence," the first key strategy highlighted is preparation. The article emphasizes that confidence can be significantly bolstered through deliberate practice and hard work. Tony Schwartz, CEO of The Energy Project, states that investing energy and working hard in a particular area is the best way to build confidence.

This approach is echoed by Deborah H. Gruenfeld from Stanford Graduate School of Business, who recommends practicing skills in a safe setting to enhance both confidence and quality. Whether it’s delivering a big presentation or negotiating with a tough customer, thorough preparation is essential. For more insights, you can read the full article here. 

Confidence Building Preparation Model

Understanding how preparation builds confidence involves recognizing five key steps. Each step plays a crucial role in enhancing your readiness and assurance in your role as an ISO consultant.

Preparation Checklist: Developing a detailed preparation checklist helps ensure that all necessary steps and materials are accounted for before an audit or consultation. This reduces the risk of overlooking critical components and provides a structured approach to your tasks. By having a clear and comprehensive checklist, you can feel more organized and assured that you are well-prepared, which boosts your confidence.

Mock Audits/Consults: Conducting mock audits or consults allows you to practice in a simulated environment. This hands-on rehearsal helps identify areas for improvement and increases familiarity with the process. Practicing in a safe setting helps build your skills and reduces anxiety about real-world scenarios, thereby increasing your confidence.

Previous Reports: Utilizing previous audit reports helps you learn from past experiences, understand common issues, and apply best practices to current situations. By studying past reports, you gain insights that can help you handle similar situations more effectively, thus enhancing your confidence in your abilities.

ISO Standards: Regularly reviewing ISO standards helps you stay updated on the latest guidelines and practices in your field. This continual learning process allows you to refresh your knowledge and apply new insights to your work. By staying current with ISO requirements and integrating new learnings into your practice, you reinforce your expertise and improve your ability to handle various situations, which boosts your confidence in making informed decisions.

Feedback & Mentorship: Seeking feedback and mentorship provides you with constructive criticism and guidance from more experienced professionals. This helps you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive feedback and mentorship offer valuable insights and support, helping you grow and develop your skills, which in turn boosts your confidence.

These steps, when integrated into your routine, create a solid foundation that fosters confidence through thorough preparation and continual improvement.

Your Next Steps:

1. Create Your Preparation Checklist: Start by developing a detailed checklist for your upcoming audits or training sessions. Include all necessary documents, equipment, and steps you need to follow. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any critical components.
2. Schedule Mock Sessions: Arrange mock audits or training sessions with colleagues or mentors. Practicing in a controlled environment allows you to refine your skills and build familiarity with the process. Use this time to identify areas for improvement and gain constructive feedback.
3. Seek an Industry Expert as a Mentor or Coach: Find an experienced professional in your field who can provide guidance and mentorship. Regularly consult with them to gain insights, ask questions, and receive advice. Their expertise will help you navigate challenges and build your confidence.

Partner with an Industry Professional

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