It was just another day on the job, or so I thought. I was accompanying a client through their third-party audit.
As I introduced myself to the Lead Auditor, his response caught me off guard. “Debra Hampton,” he exclaimed, “You are a legend! I see your name everywhere. People say wonderful things about how you helped them when you were their third-party auditor.”
At that moment, the weight of my years in the industry hit me. I’ve audited many organizations, examining their ISO Management Systems for weaknesses. Together, we’d turn to the standards, interpreting requirements in light of each unique organizational context.
Whether as a third-party auditor, consultant, or trainer, my focus has always been singular: improvement.
Afterward, I sat down. A simple “Thank you” was my only response. But internally, I grappled with the question: How does one respond when others recognize your hard work and its impact? When praise for your efforts echoes through the industry?
It's about legacy.
Let me explain. In every professional’s career, there comes a moment of realization - a moment when you understand that your success isn’t solely your own. It’s built on years of accumulated trust, opportunities given, and lessons learned from both triumphs and failures. But how and why should we work to repay this invaluable investment?
The Why: Understanding the Debt of Trust
As professionals, we have an obligation to give back to the industry that has nurtured our growth. By repaying trust, we ensure the continued health and evolution of our field. And, the act of giving back often leads to new insights and further professional development.
One more thing, we are building a legacy. We want to leave our industry better than we found it. It’s a dream, but we want to create a positive ripple effect for future generations.
We want to make our company legendary!
Debra Matthews Hampton, PE
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 13485
P.S. Ready to transform your business into something legendary? Let’s talk about how we can implement this framework in your organization. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 229-798-0277 or email debra@ce-q.com to start your journey towards legend status!
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