Careers • ISO 9001 Quality • Leadership • Nov 26, 2024 7:45:00 AM • Author: Jackie Stapleton
Back in 1998, I kind of stumbled into quality management by chance. I was working as a client trainer at a software company when they created a new role for an internal quality manager after getting their ISO 9001 certification. Despite knowing nothing about ISO, something about the job intrigued me.
As I started looking into what ISO 9001 was all about, I had this "aha" moment – the principles just made sense to me. So, I decided to take a leap of faith, applied for the job, and got it!
My existing skills gave me a decent start as a quality manager, but I quickly realized there was a lot more to learn to become a true quality leader. With some formal training and support from our external consultant, I got through the basics. But even with help, I found myself wondering what else I needed to do to really excel. Over time, I learned that becoming a confident quality leader requires a lot more than just technical know-how; it takes strategic thinking, strong leadership skills, and building trust and credibility within the business.
My journey from Quality Manager to Quality Leader reminds me of my 2-month stay in the Netherlands in 2023. When I first got there, I had to find my cousin’s house from the train station. I didn’t speak Dutch, and everything from reading signs to figuring out how to pay for things felt overwhelming. But as the days went by, I started to get the hang of things—how to catch the right train, where the shops were, and how to get by with a few key phrases. What initially felt daunting became a lot easier over time. I even managed to order takeaway in Dutch at a store where no one spoke English!
Similarly, as I grew into my role as a Quality Manager, what once seemed intimidating became exciting as I discovered my passion — one that set the course for my entire career. I learned that with persistence, guidance, and a continual focus on learning and improvement, you can navigate the complexities of quality management and become a confident and capable leader.
Organizations with strong quality leadership
Organizations with strong leadership are 2.7 times more likely to see leaders feeling accountable for their effectiveness when they receive quality coaching from their managers. This suggests that even those not in top management positions can significantly influence engagement and accountability through effective leadership practices.
The Quality Leadership Pyramid
The journey to becoming an effective quality leader follows a clear progression of five essential elements. Each level builds upon the one below it, creating a foundation for quality leadership. This structured approach ensures sustainable growth and development, with continual cycles of improvement maintaining active leadership while moving towards mastery.
EDUCATION: The foundation of quality leadership begins with education - gaining the technical knowledge and understanding of quality management principles, standards, and methodologies. This includes formal training, certifications, and understanding the fundamental concepts that drive quality management systems.
MENTORSHIP: Building on educational foundations, mentorship provides practical guidance and real-world wisdom from experienced professionals. This level helps translate theoretical knowledge into practical application, offering insights from those who have successfully navigated similar paths.
LEADERSHIP: At this level, focus shifts from personal development to leading others. This involves developing the skills to guide teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change with a future focus. It's about learning to inspire and motivate others while effectively communicating the value of quality initiatives.
STRATEGY: Strategic thinking enables quality leaders to align quality objectives with business goals and create long-term value. This level involves developing the ability to see the bigger picture, make data-driven decisions, and implement sustainable quality improvements that support organizational success.
CREDIBILITY: The summit of the pyramid represents the culmination of all lower levels, where quality leaders have established their credibility through demonstrated expertise, successful initiatives, and consistent results. This is where trust is highest, influence is strongest, and leadership in quality management is most effective.
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Lead Auditor Quality Management Systems
AU$1,895.00This course prepares participants to become internationally recognized Quality Management Systems Lead Auditors. It focuses on conducting successful external audits against ISO 9001:2015 requirements across all industries worldwide. This comprehensive training includes understanding audit processes, addressing quality nonconformances, and enhancing organizational quality management systems. It's structured around key modules and includes the ATOL Extended Learning Program for a thorough learning experience.
Next Steps to Quality Leadership
- Assess Your Current Position: Take an honest look at where you are on the Quality Leadership Pyramid. Are you still building your educational foundation, or are you ready to move into strategic thinking? Understanding your starting point is crucial for planning your development.
- Find Your Mentor Match: Connect with experienced quality professionals who can guide your journey. Look for mentorship opportunities through professional associations, LinkedIn, or your current network. Remember, just as I had my external consultant, having the right guidance can accelerate your growth.
- Create Your Leadership Development Plan: Map out specific actions to strengthen each level of the pyramid. This might include pursuing additional certifications, taking on challenging projects, or developing your strategic thinking skills through cross-functional initiatives.
