Last week, we introduced the scenario of an emotionally charged discussion on political rhetoric. Here were our three choices:
- Discuss my thoughts and opinions on the subject and get into most likely an ugly conversation/argument
- Agree with everything she said (placate her) and continue on in a conversation that grating on me
- Tell her that it is best that I walk away from the conversation and talk to her the next day
I choose the last option, walking away from a conversation that (a) was only going to get worse if I chose to engage and (b) no matter what I said to her, she would never change her mind because she is one of those people (“she is always right”). Additionally, we were friendly but I did not have a significant emotional investment in the relationship. Due to that, I chose the last option so I would not have a significant conflict but did hope to spare the friendship. After walking away, I went upstairs to my room to check some emails and prepare for the next day. I preceded to receive four or five emotionally filled texts from her, stating how immature I was and how I embarrassed her by walking away from her. Now, if she would have just dropped the subject, I would have moved on and we could have salvaged our professional friendship. After the texts, we actually did not see each other the rest of the conference. I received another text a few days later of a similar nature to the previous texts. Due to that, I decided not to respond. Was this the right decision? What are your thoughts?
Communication is key in all facets of life. The impact of emotional communication can be gravely detrimental to a person or company’s reputation. Emotional tends to destroy all logic and reason; when you communicate emotionally, you tend to communicate irrationally. Many examples have occurred during our presidential election last fall and the fall-out from it. Now, please note this is not a political discussion but how the political rhetoric has affected communication.
Last fall, a very liberal friend of mine that I had not seen in months came up to me at a conference and went into political discussion immediately. One of the presidential debates had occurred earlier that evening and she started with questioning me if I had been to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. She spent the next five minutes telling me how incredible the museum was and how emotional it was for her. Now, knowing this person as well as I did and noting the tone of her voice, she was definitely talking down to me. Additionally, in my opinion, telling someone of Jewish descent about the Holocaust Museum is a bit insulting. It is truly a heart-wrenching experience, especially when you lost most of your family in the concentration camps. Then, after I took that discussion with not many words and a smile (I had no opportunity to add any dialogue), she went into asking me about my thoughts on the debate (this was a rhetorical question, she did not care about my opinion. She just wanted to talk about hers). She went into how much better one candidate was better than the other and everybody at her organization (a major not for profit that I partner with routinely) was very happy and that her candidate will win in a landslide. Now, this conversation occurred late at night this person had a few cocktails for sure. At that point, I had a few choices as to how this conversation would go from here:
- Discuss my thoughts and opinions on the subject and get into most likely an ugly conversation/argument
- Agree with everything she said (placate her) and continue on in a conversation that grating on me
- Tell her that it is best that I walk away from the conversation and talk to her the next day
Which would you choose?
Last week, we introduced five attributes of a World Class Audit Shop (WCAS). This week, we introduced five more attributes for WCAS. They are:
- Constantly Striving for Improvement – WCAS not only focus their efforts on operational auditing but they constantly perform an internal operational audit – continuously looking to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness through reassessing currently techniques and utilizing technology as much as possible. Embrace change and become a poster child for change inside the organization.
- Strong Succession Planning through Recruiting and Training – Turnover in internal audit departments can become overwhelming and is constant, especially with the demand for internal auditors currently. WCAS are constantly looking at advancing current team members and replacing others. WCAS invest in training and development, not just for the department but for the long-term development of each employee.
- Rapport Building – In last week’s blog, we discussed the importance of communication. I believe that communication is key but building strong relationships and trust is as important. WCAS build friendships and mutual respect so that when difficult conversation are necessary, there is enough invested in the relationship to understand that both parties are acting in the best interests of the company.
- Market the Benefits of Internal Audit – WCAS view all members of the department as sales people. WCAS are constantly marketing the benefits of internal audit and what we can do to help the organization achieve its objectives.
- Visionary Leadership – Internal audit is an independent function but is it really? We are all paid by the Company so real independence is through the leadership team and CAE. WCAS know when to battle and know when to let it go. There are many jobs in the world and regardless of how great of a position it is, there are always others. On the other hand, WCAS do not circumvent their ethical being for the organization. If it is worth fighting for, they will fight and they know their leadership team will be supportive.
I have no doubt there are more and I could continue on…..What are your thoughts? What is missing from this list?
My son and I have at least one or two annual excursions that we spend most of the year planning (I do the same with my daughter). Last month, my son and I attended the National Sports Card Collectors Convention in Chicago. We have a little side business that we run together, selling memorabilia and sports cards on Ebay. I am trying to instill the entrepreneurial spirit in my kids at a very young age. As part of this trip, we get to spend true quality time together. Every year, we shed a few tears at the end of our trips since we have to go back to the “real world”. This year’s trip was much shorter than our normal trips, only going for three days and two nights as Caleb had a soccer tournament that started early Saturday morning. I actually flew from Sacramento to Dallas to pick him up and fly to Chicago; I was impressed that he acknowledged the length of travel (he said “Dad, you are crazy to do all that!”). What made this trip better/unique is that every evening, we spent time watching tv and talking. We usually do this but this seemed to be more focused. He told me about his apprehensions and fear on his upcoming soccer tournament and starting a new school in a few weeks (epilogue – the kids started at a new school this week and it could not have gone better!). That bonding is irreplaceable and so important to our relationship. I could not have had more fun on our trip…..and I also realize that this is why we do what we do. This is why I travel 150k miles a year and work so hard…..to have moments like this. Every year, we make sure to plan more of these special moments every year.
A few weeks back, I was asked by one of my Audit Senior School attendees what are the key attributes of a world-class internal audit department. I have honestly not ever thought about this since, in my opinion, there are so many and they could be very different based on size, industry and geographic location. After some research and deep thought, here are the ten that I believe permeate through all of the differences previously outlined and are necessary for all world-class audit shops (WCAS):
- Forward Thinkers – Many auditors only focus on compliance-related risks or only on the past. As Richard Chambers likes to say, auditors must be able to “audit at the speed of risk”. WCAS need to be able to audit strategy and assist the company in assessing future risks.
- Communication – Auditors must be able to communicate at a high level and communicate transparently and continuously. This builds trust and creates more opportunities where we can assist the business in meeting its objectives.
- Diverse staff skills/background – A few years back, I spoke at the GAM conference and had an in-session disagreement with an attendee that stated the best auditors are usually CPA’s. I might have agreed with this in my 20’s but as I have gotten more experience, I realize the need for as much diversity as possible in an internal audit shop. WCAS need CPA’s, industry personnel, people from the business, anything and everything that helps gives diverse perspectives to any audit.
- Add “Value” to the Organization – I have always disliked the term “Value” because that term is subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. WCAS define value through that view and understand what the clients and organization views as value. With that defined term, WCAS constantly strive to deliver this to their clients through their audits.
- Understand the Objective of Internal Audit – Having a mission/vision statement is key; however WCAS always keep in mind the red book definition of internal audit:
Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
It is imperative that WCAS remember we are assisting the organization in meeting its objectives. I ask my classes what the definition of internal auditing is routinely and I would estimate 90% do not remember this key phrase in the definition. If auditors do not remember this, trust me the business easily forgets this key point. This is something WCAS constantly stress through the audit process and this should help connect the audit client with a message they can buy into.
Those are five of our ten; next week we will introduce our next five attributes of a WCAS.
What should organizations look for in a Keynote Speaker? As a frequent conference presenter, I am always looking for ways to distinguish myself from my peers, especially as a concurrent presenter looking to continue to progress to keynote sessions. We have identified five qualities keynote speakers must have in order to be successful:
- High-Energy – Keynotes usually kick off a conference or end a conference; in these time slots, you need a presenter that energizes the entire group and gets them excited about what’s to come or what has been heard. It has to have a fun, invigorating feel and make the audience leave excited and enlightened.
- Entertaining – Keynotes must be extremely entertaining and fun and excite and energize the room and all attendees. They must connect the audience with the overall message.
- Engaging – Keynotes have to engage the audience and converse with them, not to them. Get them involved in the conversation, make them emotionally connect to the message. The more engaging, the more the audience will feel the message and connect with each person on a personal level.
- Message/Material must applies to EVERYONE in an Audience: Keynotes have to be able to connect with everyone in the audience and must a message that is universal.
- Unique – Finally, a very important trait that is usually not pointed out is the uniqueness of the presenter. Keynotes need to differentiate themselves from the pack; it might be as simple as a different way to think or that they dress differently or do not use a microphone or podium…whatever the trait, it needs to stick out and be remembered.
A few months back, I had the great pleasure of attending a fundraiser that ex-Chief of Dallas Police David Brown spoke. I assumed he would connect the audience with the attacks on Dallas in July 2016 and how he graciously handled these events. I was completely surprised when this was never mentioned and he told a wonderful story from his youth and connected the whole room with his message. It was a truly excellent presentation and his speech exemplified all of the qualities outlined above. What else is necessary to make a great keynote presentation?
We have all listened in on boring, ineffective webinars. What are the keys to creating a truly effective webinar? Would love to here your comments on what is key. Here are my thoughts:
- Voice Inflection – One of the pieces of advice I was given when I first started delivering webinars is to have a mirror in front of you when you are speaking. People can hear when you are smiling/showing emotion; it is important to not become monotone when the audience cannot see you.
- Interaction – My greatest concern when I started delivering webinars is I would not be able to interact with the audience as I like to do live. During our webinars, I engage attendees as much as possible and not just through CPE questions. We have many informal polls and try to answer questions real-time throughout the presentation. The interaction is not the same as live but we still strive for a high-level of interaction on our webinars.
- Quick Moving Subject Matter – We try to keep the subject matter constantly moving, capturing key points but not dwelling on any slides for very long. I utilize the same methodology (to a certain extent) in live classes; if the slides do not keep flowing, you risk losing the attention of your audience. I tend to have more slides for webinars when compared to live courses as well.
- Dialogue – As we spoke about previously when we discussed Interaction, we strive to make each attendee feel like they are in a live course or they are in a 1:1 coaching session. We implore attendees to ask questions and lend their experiences to the topic at hand. This perspective adds significant value to all attendees experience.
- Take breaks (if over an hour) – We currently conduct webinars that run from one to eight hours; we break up the eight hour courses into fourths or two four hour sessions. Regardless, if you are hosting a webinar over one hour, take breaks. Take five minutes at the top of each hour. It is difficult enough sitting through live training but sitting in front of your computer, hour after hour, trying to focus on listening? Very difficult to do, even for the most focused attendee.
I saw a comment on Linkedin that questioned a speaker’s need to have introductory slides when kicking off a presentation. A speaker that I know and respect greatly stated that introductory slides are pointless; people know who you are and why you are there and they are unnecessary and a waste of time. Do you agree?
My opinion differs greatly from my fellow speaker and friend, possibly because I am one who utilizes introductory slides. My initial thought is who actually reads through the speaker background prior to a training/speaker session? I know a have certain attendees that attend my courses because they enjoy my presentation style. On the other hand, I think many attendees sign up based on subject matter and if it is a speaker they know and like, even better.
Based on that assumption, I find that introductory slides are necessary but maybe not for the reason that you think. Yes they are to help establish creditability. On the other hand, creditability, in many respects, is inherent in being up on the stage. I believe the introductory slides are to set the mood or tone for the day. I tend to take a very light-hearted approach to most if not all subject matters. I use the intro slides to talk about myself but definitely outline my background with some self-deprecating humor. I also like to be flexible with the subject matter at hand and begin dialogue with attendees on what they are looking to learn from the class. It does serve that main purpose but also gets everyone in the class talking and more importantly, comfortable with a high level of interaction.
Now, here is where introductory slides tend to go awry: when speakers use them as a straight sales pitch. That is when a speaker can lose attendees in the first five minutes of the day.
In summary, speakers should use introductory slides for the following purposes:
- Establish creditability (to a small extent)
- Establish the mood for the class
- Gain the attendees’ comfort and get them to relax
- Force interaction by attendees
What are your thoughts? Yay or Nay on Speaker introductory slides?
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Professional trainers have many opportunities to speak to companies and organizations about leading practices in the internal/IT audit industries. Trainers have the luxury of opining on internal matters while remaining outsiders, which enables them to stay removed from inter-company politics and corporate culture.
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I continue to notice a trend in our society and I have no doubt it will continue to get worse. Additionally, even when due process is followed, it seems to be flawed and/or biased and the results appear tainted and not on solid footing.
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