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I’ve Got My Qualification, Now What?

I’ve been training in the classroom, since the late 1990’s. This initial training was internal, and it was for customers who had just purchased Point of Sale and Back Office software from the company I worked for. From this training I would go on to facilitate training in quality, environment and OHS both internally for work colleagues and peers and then externally for corporations and public courses. Something I became aware of quite early on, is that training is just a part of it, or even the first step. I regularly had contact from students after their training to ask Now What?

The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it ‘depends’. It depends on what you want to do and where you want to head.

The answer to "Now what?" is like asking, "How long is a piece of string?" Just as the length of a string can vary depending on how much you need, the next steps after training depend on where you want to go. Imagine holding that piece of string—one end is where you are now, and the other end represents your goal. The distance between the two is determined by your aspirations, the challenges you might face, and the resources at your disposal.

Some might find their string short and straightforward, with a clear path ahead, while others may discover it's long and winding, requiring more effort, creativity, and perhaps some detours. The key is to understand that this 'string' is uniquely yours, and the journey it represents can be tailored to your needs and desires.

However, you are NOT on your own and of course there are some defined pathways, that you might be ready for straight away or further down the track. Either way, it is good to explore these when you are in the “Now What” phase. We will explore your options in the ISO Application Growth Model coming up soon.

The Forgetting Curve

This Harvard Business Review article, Where Companies go Wrong with Learning and Development shares some interesting and scary statistics when it comes to applying your knowledge after training:

• 70% of employees report that they don’t have mastery of the skills needed to do their jobs;
• Only 12% of employees apply new skills learned in L&D programs to their jobs; and

The article also shares that we quickly forget what we’ve learned. German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus pioneered experimental studies of memory in the late 19th Century, culminating with his discovery of “The Forgetting Curve”. He found that if new information isn’t applied, we’ll forget about 75% of it after just six days.

The ISO Application Growth Model

No matter which path you choose, the focus initially will always remain on applying your knowledge to drive success. Whether you're working within an organization as an employee, offering your expertise externally through consulting, or stepping into the role of a certification auditor, the foundation is the same—effective application of the ISO standards you’ve learned.

This approach not only helps you gain practical insights into how ISO standards can be applied but also empowers you to make meaningful improvements within your organization. By mapping processes against ISO clauses, you can better visualize how theoretical knowledge fits into the everyday operations of your business.

This understanding will make the transition from learning to application much smoother and more impactful, ultimately supporting your growth into consulting or certification auditing roles, or further enhancing your contribution within your current organization.

Mapping existing business processes against ISO standards is an excellent approach to help students visualize how the theoretical requirements translate into real-world practices. This method not only aids in understanding the standards but also reveals gaps, areas for improvement, and how existing processes align with ISO requirements.

Mapping Business Processes to ISO Standards

1. Start with a Comprehensive Process Inventory

• Objective: Identify and document all the key processes within the organization that could be affected by the ISO standards.

• Actions:
  Process Identification: List out all existing processes, such as quality management, environmental management, health and safety procedures, etc.
  Process Owners: Identify the owners of each process to ensure accurate and detailed information is gathered.

2. Match Processes to Relevant ISO Clauses

• Objective: Align each business process with the relevant ISO clauses to understand where they intersect.
• Actions:
  Clause Identification: Break down the ISO standards into key clauses and match these to the relevant processes. For example, ISO 9001’s clause on ‘Documented Information’ may correspond to your company’s documentation process. 
  Gap Analysis: Identify any gaps where the business processes do not fully align with ISO requirements, highlighting areas that need adjustment or development.

3. Create Visual Process Maps 

• Objective: Develop visual representations of how processes currently work and where they intersect with ISO standards.
• Actions:
  Flowcharts: Create flowcharts or diagrams that visually map out each process, showing the flow of activities and where they meet ISO clauses. 
  ISO Integration Points: Mark specific points in the process where ISO requirements need to be met, such as points of decision-making, documentation, or compliance checks. 

4. Engage with Process Owners

• Objective: Collaborate with those who manage the processes to ensure accuracy and gain their insights on potential improvements.
• Actions:
  Workshops: Hold workshops with process owners to discuss the mapping results and gather input on how best to align with ISO requirements.  
  Process Refinement: Work together to refine and adjust processes to better meet the relevant ISO clauses, ensuring that changes are practical and effective.

5. Document the Findings and Develop Action Plans

• Objective: Create a clear, actionable plan based on the mapping exercise to guide the implementation or improvement of ISO-aligned processes.
• Actions:  
  Mapping Report: Compile a report that outlines the mapped processes, identified gaps, and recommended actions to address these gaps.
  Action Plan: Develop a step-by-step action plan that details what needs to be done, who is responsible, and timelines for aligning processes with ISO standards.

6. Monitor and Review the Application

• Objective: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of the mapped processes and their compliance with ISO standards.
• Actions:
  Periodic Audits: Conduct internal audits to check that the processes continue to meet ISO requirements and that improvements are being sustained.
  Continuous Improvement: Use the results of these audits to make ongoing adjustments, ensuring that the processes remain aligned with both ISO standards and business goals.

7. Provide Feedback and Share Best Practices

• Objective: Foster a culture of learning by sharing insights and best practices from the mapping exercise.
• Actions:
  Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback sessions where process owners and team members can share their experiences and challenges.
  Knowledge Sharing: Document and share best practices identified through the mapping exercise, helping others in the organization understand how to effectively apply ISO standards in their own processes.

Your Next Steps:

1. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Identify where your current processes fall short of ISO standards to prioritize improvements.
2. Develop and Implement Action Plans: Create a clear plan to address the gaps, ensuring your organization meets ISO requirements.
3. Engage with Key Stakeholders: Collaborate with process owners to ensure that changes are practical and supported across the organization. 

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