The Skeptical Executive 🤨
Early in my career, I encountered an executive who was skeptical about the value of internal audit. He dismissed me as a "kid" who knew nothing about his business, implying that my involvement was unnecessary. Fortunately, I was quick on my feet that morning. 🏃♂️
The Power of a Snagged Carpet 🧶
When I entered his office, I noticed a large snag in the carpet. I pointed it out and told him:
"Imagine that snag goes unnoticed and grows into a tear. One day, you or one of your team members might trip over it and sprain or even break an ankle. Now, it’s not just a maintenance issue—it’s an OSHA concern 🚨, with someone out of commission and productivity taking a hit. My role as an auditor is to find these ‘snags’ in the business before they become bigger problems. Just like in this scenario, we can put a temporary fix, like duct tape 🛠️, and alert maintenance to replace that section of carpet, preventing future incidents and ensuring safety.
In fact, I’ve already checked with maintenance, and their current process doesn’t include inspecting for carpet snags or tears. They’re now adding a step to their quarterly review 🔄 to include this, ensuring any torn carpet is immediately replaced to prevent accidents."
A Lesson in Effective Communication 🗣️
That analogy shifted the executive's perspective. He understood the purpose of the audit and became a supportive partner throughout the process. 🤝
This story has served me well throughout my career, helping me convey the value of internal audit in a way that stakeholders can easily understand. Every auditor needs a way to quickly and effectively communicate the importance of their work.
What's Your "Carpet Story"? 📝
What's your "Carpet Story"?
How do you help stakeholders understand the role and value of internal audit?
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