How to Handle Emotional Bias during Upcoming Audit?

RoxaneB

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#1
As many (or just some) of you may know, I changed positions within my organization back in July 2007. I considered my former position as a no-growth opportunity, and while it was nice to be home with family and friends, I found myself ready for more responsibility and challenges (which, fyi, I am getting by the bucketful here in the Corporate environment).

So, that being said, here is the situation:
  • My former boss contacted my current boss and indicated that my job has never been filled.
  • As such, he is requesting 13 days of my time - dates are To Be Determined - to train, plan, conduct and report on their internal audit.
  • My current boss agreed - I was never even given the courtesy of an informal discussion by either boss...no point in griping about how I feel like chattel is there?
  • In talking about this with my former boss's boss (you still with me?), he implied that he would like me to also participate in the external audit (date is also TBD)...gotta love their planning since I left.
  • The potential involvement in the external is because the current management rep will not defend the system or stand up for it or highlight its good points.
  • Procedures and documentation and management systems processes have not changed since I left (I know because I can still access the system).
  • I am no longer the management rep, and both internal and external audits are to be coordinated by the management rep.
  • Do I ding them on the audit for bringing me in?

Maybe I'm just angry that my former boss - who is a trained lead auditor for ISO 14001 (or so he says) - is delegating yet another task to someone else. He's been doing a lot of this since I left, apparently. Even his boss said "...(he's) not quick to grab the ball and run with it."

I know that I should not have a bias...professional or personal...yet I find myself going in with the attitude of seeing a failed system. As one friend and co-worker pointed out, however, I may have that bias but everyone knows that the system has been dropped since I left.

I don't know if I just want to vent or if anyone can give some advice on how to handle myself in this situation. I used to joke how audits are "cute, warm, fuzzy, friendly...until I smell blood and then I go for the jugular." I find myself ready to rip the whole thing apart and I certainly don't wish to defend a system that used to be mine and has been neglected by all involved.

Am I being immature here?
 
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SteelMaiden

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#2
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

I think I would feel the same way, but then again I've had a bad day too.

It seems as though there is some lack of commitment to continue the program, hire/train a replacement (resources). That being said, since your current boss agreed to the arrangement you probably just need to do it. But, I'd do it as though I was a third party and tell them they need to get an MR up to speed. jmho.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#3
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

Hello, Roxane!

When I walk into the house, and one of the kids is arguing with my wife, the kids gets it. I cover her back, her authority, regardless. Now, behind closed doors I'll talk to her, and sometimes tell her she's wrong. But... she always respects that, and will also accept when I don't side with her (again, behind closed doors).

As I understand it, your job here (albeit however difficult) is not to assess the system. It will become more painful when you come to the realization you are substantially more competent than the individual auditing the organization :tg:. Your job is to defend your organization's management on the part of the system. I would pull out your best acting ability and be the best MR you can be.:)

I would probably have a chat with management prior to the audit. Clarify the roles/ responsibilities.

Oh... and P.S. You have every right (and cause) to vent. That's what we're here for!:D
 

Sidney Vianna

Post Responsibly
Staff member
Admin
#4
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

As many (or just some) of you may know, I changed positions within my organization back in July 2008
Are you writing from the future?:tg:
Am I being immature here?
I don't think so. You are just venting, as you said. As hard as it might be for you, since you probably know where all the fashion models skeletons still are, perform the most objective and thorough internal assessment you can. And, when the time comes for you to "participate" in the external audit, be as objective as possible and don't defend the indefensible. If processes have been neglected, after your departure, and this is caught by the external auditor, so be it. The sooner the organization realizes that they have to take ownership for the system and you are no longer there to keep the house in order, the better.

Tough love is tough. But it is love.
 

RoxaneB

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#5
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

It seems as though there is some lack of commitment to continue the program, hire/train a replacement (resources). That being said, since your current boss agreed to the arrangement you probably just need to do it. But, I'd do it as though I was a third party and tell them they need to get an MR up to speed. jmho.
Amusingly enough, I meet with my boss next week to finalize my development plan and activities for 2008. I'm putting this audit on my plan. I want credit for doing work outside of my scope.

When I asked if my former boss was going to be sent on training, the answer was no. I asked why and was rewarded with a grimacey smile...or is that smiling grimace?

BradM said:
As I understand it, your job here (albeit however difficult) is not to assess the system. It will become more painful when you come to the realization you are substantially more competent than the individual auditing the organization . Your job is to defend your organization's management on the part of the system. I would pull out your best acting ability and be the best MR you can be.

I would probably have a chat with management prior to the audit. Clarify the roles/ responsibilities.
My role on the internal audit will be to assess the system. My role on the external is to be the management rep for a site that I am no longer an employee for. I will not introduce myself on the external as belonging to the site as that is not my title anymore.

The kicker is that my former boss's boss was handing out gift cards just before Christmas last year, peeked into my batcave and said "Oh, you're not part of us any more. No gift for you." Now they want my help.
 

RoxaneB

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#6
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

Are you writing from the future?:tg: I don't think so. You are just venting, as you said. As hard as it might be for you, since you probably know where all the fashion models skeletons still are, perform the most objective and thorough internal assessment you can. And, when the time comes for you to "participate" in the external audit, be as objective as possible and don't defend the indefensible. If processes have been neglected, after your departure, and this is caught by the external auditor, so be it. The sooner the organization realizes that they have to take ownership for the system and you are no longer there to keep the house in order, the better.

Tough love is tough. But it is love.
I fixed the date just as you were posting, Sidney. :notme:

Of course I know where the skeletons are...I'm the one who buried them in the past! :cool: Now, do I highlight my own skeletons or focus on their own dead bodies?

I just don't feel like been their whipping post because they've let things slide. :frust::whip:

However, I don't appear to have much of a choice. This just isn't a good situation to be in.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#7
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

My role on the internal audit will be to assess the system.
This to me sounds like the most challenging. One can hold up the "Objectivity" banner, but honestly, it will probably be difficult. If they have really let things drop, there are probably enough fresh skeletons laying around, you won't have to worry about dredging up the old ones on the bottom of the river. Although, I think you could look at previous internal audit findings (even if they are yours) and ascertain effective management follow-up.

My role on the external is to be the management rep for a site that I am no longer an employee for. I will not introduce myself on the external as belonging to the site as that is not my title anymore.
Even though you are not attached to that facility, you are probably still the most knowledgable person with the system. Given that, I think you would still be management's best MR.

The kicker is that my former boss's boss was handing out gift cards just before Christmas last year, peeked into my batcave and said "Oh, you're not part of us any more. No gift for you." Now they want my help.
You know... whether that boss was joking or not, or whatever, just give you a gift card, smile, and say "thank you". That type of mentality is not helpful at any time. The mere fact that you are bringing it up plays to the fact that it bothered you. Sounds like that $20.00, 50.00, 100.00 or whatever would have been money well spent.

Roxane, I'm not saying your position is easy. I would think that a discussion with your current boss is in order. I might outline your concerns and disclaimers about this audit. Too, I would play both sides of the fence, gratefully helping the organization while distancing yourself from the job that you left. Also, I would outline what they need to do so they don't get in this position again.
 

Wes Bucey

Quite Involved in Discussions
#8
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

I have a strong hunch there is more going on behind the scenes with the bosses vis a vis the current crop of folks who are supposed to be performing and/or supporting the audit.

It just may be that I've survived too many corporate bloodlettings and have a too cynical view of clumsy amateurs planning an assassination without letting the assassin [you] in on the plot.

Make no mistake - you are being brought in to rub someone's nose in the doggy do on the carpet. Guys at VP level and above don't usually get there without some blood being spilled. If they are smart, they try to keep their own hands clean.

You need a frank sitdown with your current boss to air your suspicions and fears [and just incidentally, your willingness to spill blood if there is an appropriate reward.]

The cardinal sin from a corporate warrior's viewpoint would be to assassinate the victim without letting the "evil cabal" know you are wise to the game. Nobody respects a dupe who is inveigled into abetting a crime without getting some of the loot.

:caution:Obviously, you have to take care you are not the one being set up for a fall!
 

Stijloor

Staff member
Super Moderator
#9
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

As many (or just some) of you may know, I changed positions within my organization back in July 2007. I considered my former position as a no-growth opportunity, and while it was nice to be home with family and friends, I found myself ready for more responsibility and challenges (which, fyi, I am getting by the bucketful here in the Corporate environment).

So, that being said, here is the situation:
  • My former boss contacted my current boss and indicated that my job has never been filled.
  • As such, he is requesting 13 days of my time - dates are To Be Determined - to train, plan, conduct and report on their internal audit.
  • My current boss agreed - I was never even given the courtesy of an informal discussion by either boss...no point in griping about how I feel like chattel is there?
  • In talking about this with my former boss's boss (you still with me?), he implied that he would like me to also participate in the external audit (date is also TBD)...gotta love their planning since I left.
  • The potential involvement in the external is because the current management rep will not defend the system or stand up for it or highlight its good points.
  • Procedures and documentation and management systems processes have not changed since I left (I know because I can still access the system).
  • I am no longer the management rep, and both internal and external audits are to be coordinated by the management rep.
  • Do I ding them on the audit for bringing me in?

Maybe I'm just angry that my former boss - who is a trained lead auditor for ISO 14001 (or so he says) - is delegating yet another task to someone else. He's been doing a lot of this since I left, apparently. Even his boss said "...(he's) not quick to grab the ball and run with it."

I know that I should not have a bias...professional or personal...yet I find myself going in with the attitude of seeing a failed system. As one friend and co-worker pointed out, however, I may have that bias but everyone knows that the system has been dropped since I left.

I don't know if I just want to vent or if anyone can give some advice on how to handle myself in this situation. I used to joke how audits are "cute, warm, fuzzy, friendly...until I smell blood and then I go for the jugular." I find myself ready to rip the whole thing apart and I certainly don't wish to defend a system that used to be mine and has been neglected by all involved.

Am I being immature here?
Roxanne,

No you are not! This whole situation stinks! Get out while you can. A professional with your exemplary skills and competencies should be able to find a more rewarding position soon.

I've been there.

Stijloor.
 

Randy

Super Moderator
#10
Re: Emotional bias on upcoming audit - how to handle?

Hey Rox....bust your cute little tushy;) for the old boss and try to make him and the system look good (within reason and ethically of course) and bust that same tushy for the new guy for the same reason.This can be a win-win-win with you being the biggest winner.
 
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