Are You Just Doing ISO, or Are You Leading It?

By Jackie Stapleton

When I first started as a trainer, I thought the key was just knowing the content and delivering it well. I’d rely on my PowerPoint slides and technical skills, and honestly, I figured that would be enough. But I quickly learned that being a great trainer is about so much more.

It’s not just about knowing the material—it’s about being able to tell stories that bring it to life, connect with the room, and manage all the different personalities staring back at you. You have to adapt, engage, and create an environment where people actually want to learn. That’s what separates a trainer who just ticks the boxes from one who leaves a lasting impact.

And really, it’s the same with ISO management systems leadership. You can have all the technical skills and knowledge in the world, but it’s the soft skills—things like communication, empathy, and connection—that make the difference. It’s those skills that help you lead the standard, not just follow it.

I realized that technical knowledge wasn’t enough. If I wanted to create real impact, I needed to shift from doing ISO to leading ISO. It wasn’t just about knowing the standard—it was about influencing, engaging, and inspiring people to see quality as something more than conformance.

That’s when everything changed.

I started focusing on leadership skills—communication, influence, and strategic thinking. I learned how to position quality as an enabler of business success rather than a box-ticking exercise. And when I started sharing this with others, I saw the shift: ISO professionals who once felt unheard and undervalued began gaining recognition as leaders. They weren’t just implementing systems—they were driving real change.

My realization that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough is not unique to ISO professionals—it’s a challenge faced by experts in every industry. Harvard Business Review highlights this exact transition in Transform Your Technical Expertise into Leadership, explaining that moving from technical mastery to leadership requires a shift in mindset, communication, and influence. Just like I discovered in my own journey, the article emphasizes that true impact comes not just from knowing the standards, but from guiding others to see their value. This is what it means to Lead the Standard.

I still remember the day my sons started school—tiny, wide-eyed, and carrying backpacks almost as big as they were. It was a whole new world for them, filled with excitement and uncertainty. That’s the Explorer stage—the first step into something new, full of curiosity but with so much to learn.

As they moved through school, they built knowledge bit by bit—first spelling lists, simple math problems, and plenty of mistakes along the way. It wasn’t always smooth, but each challenge helped them connect the dots. This is the Learner stage—grasping the basics, making mistakes, but growing in confidence.

High school brought bigger challenges—major assignments, part-time jobs, and learning to juggle responsibilities. Some things clicked, others didn’t, but every misstep taught them resilience. That’s the Practitioner stage—applying knowledge, solving real problems, and growing through experience.

Now, as young adults, they’re stepping into careers, taking ownership, and inspiring others. They’re moving into the Expert stage—not just doing the work but making an impact. And soon, they’ll reach the Leader stage, where they’ll drive change and shape their industries.

Watching their journey reminds me that growth—whether in life or in ISO—is always a step-by-step process. Each stage builds the foundation for the next, preparing us to lead when the time comes.

Measure Yourself on the ISO Leadership Scale

You’ve built your ISO knowledge, but are you truly leading the standard? Many ISO professionals stay stuck in technical execution, unsure how to step into leadership and make a real impact. The difference between doing ISO and leading ISO comes down to influence, strategy, and the ability to inspire change.

So, where do you stand? Use the ISO Leadership Scale below to measure your current stage and discover what it takes to grow into a confident ISO leader.

The Value Model illustrates the progression from technical expertise to leadership in the ISO profession. Below is a breakdown of each stage, highlighting the key focus and impact at every level.

🔹 Explorer: Building Awareness

At this stage, you are just discovering ISO and its relevance in organizations which include:

Understanding the basics of ISO standards.
Recognizing the value of ISO in business operations.
Exploring career opportunities in the ISO field.
Building awareness of management system principles.

🔹 Learner: Gaining Knowledge

As a Learner you develop foundational knowledge but have limited real-world application. At this level you:

Gain a deeper understanding of ISO frameworks.
Interpret basic ISO clauses and requirements.
Support ISO activities, such as documentation and compliance tasks.
Build confidence in applying ISO concepts.

🔹 Practitioner: Applying and Implementing (Leadership Threshold)

This is the transition point where your technical skills begin to merge with leadership and you:

Implement ISO standards in real-world scenarios.
Conduct audits and manage compliance documentation.
Align teams with ISO requirements and best practices.
Drive continual improvement initiatives within the organization.

🔹 Expert: Inspiring and Mentoring

At this level, as an ISO professional, you go beyond conformance and become a key driver of change by:

Leading ISO initiatives across organizations.
Inspiring teams to embrace ISO as a tool for business success.
Mentoring others in ISO applications, sharing insights and best practices.
Aligning ISO management systems with broader business strategies.

🔹 Leader: Shaping the Future of ISO

Then as a true ISO leader you move beyond implementation to influence industry-wide change. You do this by:

Driving innovation in how standards are applied and integrated.
Sharing expertise as a thought leader in the ISO profession.
Building a lasting legacy of ISO leadership and business excellence.

Next Steps: Your Path to ISO Leadership

Identify Your Stage – Where do you currently stand on the ISO Leadership Scale? Reflect on your skills, challenges, and what’s holding you back.
Download the Workbook – Use the ISO Leadership Self-Assessment Workbook to measure your progress, set goals, and create an action plan to move forward.
Take the Next Leap – Leadership isn’t a solo journey. Whether it’s mentorship, training, or joining a professional community, find the right support to help you grow beyond technical expertise and Lead the Standard.

This article first appeared on Auditor Training Online‘s Lead The Standard newsletter and is published here with permission.

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