Introduction – Leadership and commitment is the hub at the centre of the wheel for ISO 9001
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ISO 9001:2015 CLAUSE 5.1 LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT – You Manage Things, But You Lead People
The absence of leadership and commitment is the main reason that a Quality Management System declines.
“As soon as staff see their leaders’ showing behaviours that contradict commitment to the QMS, the system starts to erode.”
Employees begin making short-cuts, going around the system. The client’s likes and requirements are not important, so ultimately overlooked.
As revealed by many auditors, top management often signs their names on quality policies and impress the clients and staff with fancy words. However, when taking a closer look into the company, it becomes clear that the system is only on paper and not implemented.
How to get certification
When it comes to obtaining ISO 9001 accreditation, top management must agree on a leadership style. How will they share their dedication to the employees? Additionally, how will the style help the business’s QMS?
After management has decided on the style, showing leadership and commitment to the system is easy.
Use SHEQ software
To design and implement a Quality Management System, SRM and many of our clients use Mango Compliance Software – www.mangolive.com Mango makes it easier to get ISO 9001:2015 certification.
What is the best Leadership style?
At Safety Risk Management, this decision was straightforward. During our careers, we have worked for various managers. Some leaders have been good, some bad and some in the middle. Examining the different leadership methods, we decided on the best approach that would benefit our company.
We decided that management should have the following qualities:
- Explain the QMS to all staff – Be open
- Encourage staff to become involved in the design of our QMS -Be inspiring
- Allow employees to give their input – Be inclusive
- Pay attention – Listen to the staff’s various ideas
- Understand – Be prepared to let employees learn from their errors, but at the same time think about the risk.
How did we intend to include the leadership and commitment clause of ISO 9001
To begin with, we had a meeting with the quality team to discuss the following:
- What is a QMS
- How they would contribute
- What SRM wanted to accomplish from getting ISO 9001 certification
- We also reviewed the design of the context of the organisation process
These included the following:
- Interested parties
- Vision and mission
- SWOT analysis
- Key business strategies
We ensured that all employees understood SRM’s motivation and dedication to quality and our clients.
We also put forward the belief to include staff in the continuous improvement of SRM. Everyone decided that this was a requirement, leading to the design of a suggestion board.
Leadership and Commitment In Summary
- Organise a meeting with top management and decide on your suitable leadership style to achieve acceptance and backing towards your QMS.
- Leaders are responsible for sharing the QMS with the company.
- Train all staff about what a QMS is, so they know their role and what the company wants to achieve.
- Include everyone to get the QMS up and running successfully.
SRM is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified. Contact our consultants today. Let us know if we can help you with the development and implementation of your Quality Management System.
Associated Blogs
https://srmc.co.za/iso-9001-clause-4-context-of-the-organisation/
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