Mastering Conflict and Negotiation: Essential Skills for Internal Auditors
This video from The IIA's "Getting Started With" series provides crucial insights for internal auditors on navigating difficult conversations and effective negotiation. It emphasizes that conflict is inherent to the role and offers practical techniques for handling pushback, understanding professional courage, and distinguishing between negotiable and non-negotiable aspects of audit findings, all while aligning with Global Internal Audit Standards.
Navigating Inherent Conflict in Internal Audit
Internal audit, by its very nature, often involves navigating challenging situations and delivering findings that may be met with resistance. This video underscores that conflict is an intrinsic part of the internal audit landscape. It highlights the importance of "professional courage," as outlined in Global Internal Audit Standard 1.1, which sets the foundation for auditors to engage in difficult conversations with integrity and objectivity. Understanding this inherent conflict and embracing professional courage are critical for auditors to effectively fulfill their responsibilities and maintain their independence.
Techniques for Handling Pushback and Effective Communication
The presentation offers practical strategies for auditors to manage pushback effectively in real-time. It delves into three specific techniques designed to de-escalate tension and refocus discussions on objective evidence. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of effective communication, referencing Standard 11.2, as a cornerstone for successful interactions. By mastering these techniques, auditors can maintain control of conversations, ensure their message is heard, and prevent emotional responses from derailing the audit process.
The Art of Negotiation: Interests vs. Positions
A key takeaway from the video is the distinction between negotiating based on "interests" versus "positions." Auditors are encouraged to listen actively to understand the underlying interests of stakeholders, rather than just their stated positions. This approach allows for more collaborative problem-solving and can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. However, the video draws a clear line: while certain aspects of an audit, such as implementation timelines or corrective actions, may be negotiable, the factual findings and evidence are never open for debate. Auditors must steadfastly uphold the integrity of their findings, ensuring that the truth remains paramount in all discussions.
Watch on YouTube
