Something About Gratitude.

The external auditors from Bureau Veritas arrived as scheduled to carry out the final audit that would make us an ISO certified organisation.

I Panicked even though I felt ready for the audit because we had worked hard re-documenting our processes and carrying out change management training to ensure they were aligned with supply chain best practices.

When they arrived, I was quick to welcome the lead auditor and other members of his team. I took his bag and led him straight to the MD’s office for the opening meeting, to kick start the audit process.

3 hours after some thorough drillings, everything seemed fine except for a few minor non-conformances. At the close of the audit meeting, we received very high scores and congratulations for the hard work. I was glad that my former organisation GHLIL became ISO certified under my watch. It was my last assignment before we moved on to set up Rapid Express Logistics Limited.

When it was time for them to leave, I thanked the lead auditor for the certificate and the mentorship they offered, but I didn’t help to carry his bag the way I did when they arrived.

He smiled and said, ‘Humans, how eager they can act when they need something but fail to stay as eager when they have got what they are looking for’.

I felt downcast immediately because he was right. Reminded me of the 10 Lepers in the bible who needed healing but only one came back to say thank you to Jesus.

May we never forget to express our gratitude much more when we have our wins.

Shalom.