Adding value at Level 4 makes you essential

When you’re an internal auditor and you’re adding value at Level 4, you have become essential. That’s the highest of the four levels of value-add.

As a quick recap, Level 1 means that you’re meeting your job description. Your boss tells you what they want you to do, how to do it, and you get it done. That’s a good starting point.

At Level 2, you are trustworthy. You’re a resource for others. The boss has something they need done. They come to you and explain the problem. You take ownership and handle it.

At level Level 3, you are influential. You’re initiating the discussions, sharing your own advice and insights. And you’re helping others in tangible ways.

And now, we come to Level 4.

At the fourth level, your influence becomes culturally embedded. You’re not just coming to others with useful advice. They’re coming to you to get your thoughts. It’s simply expected that people will get your opinion before they decide how to proceed on some project. Or how to address some problem. You typically won’t be part of the formal approval channel. But those with the formal authority will expect that you have been consulted and your opinions have been incorporated.

This moves beyond the useful insights from your audit work. Sure, they still appreciate that. But, people are now coming to you to get your thoughts about issues that have nothing to do with an ongoing audit. They aren’t coming to you as the auditor. They are coming to you as the expert about something that’s strategically important. And even though (or, maybe because) you are an internal auditor, you can provide valuable thoughts, insights, and options without taking ownership. That allows you to remain objective in the future. You’re pointing people the right direction, not telling them how to proceed.

Level 4 is where you start getting the invitation to the planning meetings because they actually want you there. Level 4 gives you the seat at the table.

So, develop your expertise in whatever topic is both fascinating to you, and valuable to those around you. Freely share your expertise. People will appreciate it.

And, very soon, they will not only be listening to your advice, they’ll be openly soliciting your opinion. You have become essential. High value, indeed.

That’s Level 4. And internal audit is a great path to get there.