Audits are easy.

Let’s be honest: normal people aren't excited when they hear the word "audit". But here’s the secret - audits are actually easy and are an opportunity to look like a rockstar. Why? Because you already know what’s coming.

Audits are just quality assurance checks to make sure your everyday quality control processes are working. They’re structured. Predictable. It’s not a pop quiz; it’s an open-book test. And you already have the questions. All you need to do is prepare.

Proactive vs. Reactive - Which One Are You?

Imagine your quality department announces an audit next week. You have two choices:

Be reactive. Show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to help, but no prep. Cue the scrambling, binder-flipping, and frantic phone calls while the auditor waits.

Be proactive. Ask what’s on the checklist, gather your documents, prep your answers, and walk into that audit calm and confident.

Which one do you think leaves a better impression? (And saves you a ton of stress?)

My "Aha!" Audit Moment

I once worked as the project rigging engineer on a massive, remote jobsite. I oversaw all crane operations - equipment, personnel, everything. One day, I got word that a corporate technical chief was flying out to audit my program.

So, I pulled up his audit form, reviewed every question, and spent a few days preparing answers and documentation. Some things we weren’t fully doing (like crane mats for all cranes over 200 tons), but I even prepped responses explaining why and what we did instead.

When he arrived, I was ready. Instead of three days of intense questioning, we wrapped up in one. I got kudos for being organized, and he got to fly home two days early. Everybody won.

Start With the End in Mind

Here’s the next-level tip: don’t just prepare for audits when they pop up - design your processes around them from day one. If you know what the questions will be, you can build your systems to meet those expectations automatically. That way, audit day becomes a formality, not a fire drill.

The Takeaway

Audits aren’t scary. They’re predictable. Do the work up front, and you’ll pass easily and look like the person who has it all together—because you do.

Proactive beats reactive every time.

-Dan