Have you ever wondered how to demonstrate to a manager the rationale behind the ISO 9001 requirements for competence and training? It isn’t uncommon to find quality managers, consultants or auditors sputtering through an explanation of this requirement, trying to describe to others what seems abundantly and clearly evident to them. Subclause 6.2.1 states: “Personnel performing work affecting product quality shall be competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills and experience.”

Two points need to be decided to establish competence. The first is the requirements of the task that needs to be accomplished, and the second is the criteria for verifying that the individual is competent to fulfill the requirements.

Giving someone precise instructions or relying on their sincere willingness to do the right thing doesn’t guarantee that they will be able to perform the tasks as required

The following fable from third-century India illustrates this point wonderfully.

In the town of Benares, a great festival was proclaimed to establish a favorable position of the stars. As soon as the first trumpet sounded, everyone’s thoughts turned to the coming festivities.

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