Independence and objectivity are two words I hear auditors use incorrectly all the time. Even though the standards describe internal audit as being independent and objective, the truth is very few internal audit functions are truly independent, but we have to remain objective. While we may not be able to control our independence (don’t worry I explain in the episode) we have complete control over being objective.
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Warren Buffet. While lacking objectivity won’t really get you “killed” it can definitely get you fired.
If you will be at the IIA’s International Conference in Anaheim, make sure to stop by the Unified Compliance booth in the exhibit area to say ‘hi,’ join me at the breakout session where I will be speaking on Tuesday, 12:45-1:45 on “How to Become a More Mindful and Emotionally Intelligent Leader” or look for the guy in the hat 🙂
