It’s all about Context.
I took this photograph when I was out for a run one day last week on my way to Helen’s Tower. It shows the Dufferin and Ava coat of arms on the railway bridge in Helen’s Bay, and was taken from Clandeboye Way (the Ulster Way), part of the route to the Tower. From this point, it is 5 miles of a general up-hill trail run, with some steep sections, three roads to cross and some fantastic scenery.
One of my favorite runs, I have completed this many times before and I know what is ahead of me, those things that may make it a challenge, and those things that potentially might be nice surprises along the way (like some deer or birds of prey).
It is just as important to apply this thinking in the business world. Whilst there are many ways of understanding potential challenges or opportunities, the Context clause of ISO9001:2015 provides great ideas for all types of organization to follow, even if not proceeding to full certification of the Standard. This clause requires organizations to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and any opportunities and threats, along with any other external influences be they political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental, and the requirements of any interested parties. The clause also requires organizations to produce overall processes, so that they can produce their products or deliver their services in this Context.
Pattersons Consulting helps organizations with the introduction of ISO9001:2015 and other business improvement initiatives.
