These are tips to help internal auditors add value to their organization. They flow from my article “Demonstrating Value“
Auditors have a fundamental image problem.
People can’t easily see how we add value.
This matters.
If you’ve been an internal auditor for any length of time, you’re familiar with all of the professional challenges that we face. But there is one challenge that’s existential – if you can’t demonstrate that you’re adding value you’re going to be ignored. Or gone.
Albert Einstein said “Strive not to be a success, but rather to add value.”
Those who add value are respected and get the resources for one obvious reason – everyone wants them to continue adding value. Think of the technical innovator within an organization, or the sales leader, or the visionary executive. These people are recognized for adding value. And they get the resources and respect to continue.
That’s where you, as an auditor, want to be. Don’t laugh. There’s a formula to get there.
The alternative is … unpleasant. There’s quote that I’ve run across a few times. It hits close to home.
“If your presence can’t add value to my life, your absence will make no difference.”
Hilarious and relevant – but I can’t find anyone to attribute it to
Equate this to influence. If you’re adding value, you have influence. If you’re not, you’re irrelevant.
And being irrelevant is an existential problem.
Tip #1 – Start considering how (and if) you’re really adding value