# The Problem with Inspections
Source: https://dairycoach.com/the-problem-with-inspections/
Published: 2015-06-10
Updated: 2024-01-24
Author: Tom Wall
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[](https://dairycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/inspectors.jpg)
*Photo Courtesy of PhotoPin.com*
You’ve probably heard the saying “It’s not what you *expect*, it’s what you *inspect*“, right?
If you’re not sure if that’s true, for the next three months start paying more attention to everything at your company and ask more, specific questions. Sure, people might not like the “amped up” attention, but I’m absolutely certain you’ll see better performance and results from your team.
The power of inspections isn’t just a work thing, it starts long before any of us start our first job. Even as little kids, we knew we needed to be on our best behavior and do our school work when our parents and teachers were watching.
The other day I was on the road and needed to turn a popular fast food restaurant into my mobile office for a couple of hours. I noticed the manager was preparing his team for the big District Manager walk-through that was only a couple hours away. He had everyone cleaning and double checking every little detail before they arrived. Once the out-of-state brass showed up, the front counter people were over-the-top friendly. I’ve been to this particular restaurant a number of times in the past, I barely recognized it on “inspection day”. Nonetheless, the inspection made the restaurant better that day and I’m sure they passed the test.
And that’s the problem with inspections. Unfortunately, a lot of people wait to do their best work when they know their boss or an inspector is watching.
Sure, we’re probably all guilty of letting things slide when it’s “just us”. But as soon as we know that guests are on their way, we get everything looking its absolute best. So how is that a problem?
When managers demonstrate the same “quick, somebody’s coming!” attitude as some of their employees do, they reinforce that it’s acceptable to do mediocre work when nobody’s watching. If managers communicate two contradictory standards for performance, they prove that it’s okay to have a lower “day-to-day standard” and a higher “important visitor” standard. And yet ironically, these same managers say things like “Why do my employees only do their job correctly when somebody’s watching!?!”
Regardless of whether anyone is paying close attention, we should all hold ourselves to a higher standard of excellence. But the reality is that many people choose the easier path.
As a manager it’s your responsibility to set the example. Show your team that quality performance is what you expect and will frequently inspect all the time, not just when owners and inspectors pay you a visit.
Photo Credit: FDA Inspector 2824 via photopin (license)