If you’re an internal auditor, hoping to make your mark in the world, then the word you need to focus on is — influence.
Influence is when people listen to you and value your insights. If you have influence and suggest that they do something, they’ll probably do it.
And that’s Level 3 in adding value.
As a quick recap, Level 1 means that you’re meeting your job description. That’s a good starting point.
Level 2 means that you have skills, experience, and a deeper understanding of the big picture. You’re operating beyond the basic job description and you know what needs to get done. Net effect – you’re able to provide more complete and nuanced work to help your boss (and others) meet their objectives.
𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟯 is, obviously, one more step up.
And here’s the difference.
At Level 2, you are a resource for others. The boss has something they need done. And they come to you to take ownership and solve it. Make no mistake, that’s very helpful. But the focus is still top-down.
However, at Level 3 you are coming to others with your own ideas. You are the initiator. You are showing up, on your own, with useful recommendations to help them achieve some meaningful goal or solve some material problem. You’re coming to them, person-to-person. And, whenever possible, you’re doing it behind closed doors. It reflects your personal agenda. You really are trying to make their lives easier.
And, almost always, they will appreciate it.
After you’ve done that a few times, you’ll develop a reputation as someone who ‘gets it’. Others will start listening to whatever you have to say. And, very quickly, they’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and simply take your advice. Plus, they’ll advise their friends to listen to you when you have an idea.
That, of course, is the sweet spot for good internal auditors. You get to invest your energy in finding ways to help. And almost no energy getting others to listen to you.
Sure, even after you help others you still have to write an audit report. But when you’re influential, the report is almost an afterthought. You don’t need to take credit for anything because you’re helping by building people up, not pulling them down. That’s what the execs and your audit committee want.
That’s Level 3. Influence. And, trust me, your career will be taking a step forward. Those in the know will recognize your role in quietly making things happen. Because that’s what all good leaders do. And they recognize it in others. Which, not ironically, creates even greater influence.
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