by Kerry Palejs
Recently, I spent an amazing week in the “City of Light.” As usual, Paris did not disappoint. Reviewing my vacation photos when I returned, I started thinking, “What is it about vacations that make them so special? Apart from exotic or long-dreamed-of destinations, is the sky really bluer, does the food taste that much better, and is there more “omph” in the beat of the music when you’re on vacation? Rather than simply being distracted by the external influences, do we somehow re-program ourselves into “vacation” mode—heightening our senses and enabling us to appreciate the fine details that are lost in the busyness of our everyday lives? If so, how can we apply this re-programming to our everyday lives as auditors? What steps would you take if you approached your next audit as if you were going on vacation–a vacation approach to auditing?
The vacation approach to auditing
- Select your destination. Is this audit one that is part of your short-, medium-, or long-term goals? Does the organization align with your own personal standards? Is it a safe place for you to go, or is it one with “baggage” that your career path does not really need?
- Ready your documents. When traveling, this would be your passport, visa, tickets, and transfers. As an auditor, this would be your audit reporting documents, previous audit findings (if appropriate), current copy of the relevant standards, and any other documentation. Nothing screams “unprofessional” more than an auditor shuffling through reams of paperwork looking for a particular document.
- Do your research. Whenever I visit a foreign country I always make the effort to learn a few phrases in the local dialect—at least “thank you,” “please,” and “hello.” Before you walk on site for your audit, take a look at the organization’s current annual report (almost always available online), the organizational structure (for new clients this is a valuable “who’s who?” and for long-standing clients you can see who has moved on or if there has been any significant restructuring). Having some of this local intel will help your engage in some meaningful conversations. Most people love talking about their organization. If you have done your homework, the payoffs will only be positive.
- Live in the moment. OK, the reality may be that this is the fourth audit you’ve done back-to-back in this region and you are over it. However, for your client, this will be the first external audit for some twelve months. It may take a bit of extra effort on your part, but your client wants to feel like they are the most important client you have at that moment.
- Don’t look for shortcuts. Sure, you can take the freeway and have a smoother quicker journey, but what will you and your client really get out of that? Your professional reputation is based on your integrity. Don’t risk it by staying on the easy route: Check out the detours, the hidden paths, the less traveled path—you may be surprised at what you discover.
- Act like a tourist. You are a visitor in their part of the world. Don’t impose yourself. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t let you own perception cloud your judgment. Don’t assume, even if you are a frequent visitor.
- Say “thank you” (or merci, gracias, danke, etc.). There are many auditors out there. For whatever reason, your clients have chosen you. Even if the audit outcomes do not live up to your (or their) expectations, thank them for the opportunity to step into their world for a short time.
- Unpack promptly. After a vacation, this usually involves lots of washing and putting things back into cupboards. After an audit you need to “unpack” by getting any final audit reports and documentation back to the organization as promptly as you can. Don’t force them into having to chase you for that report.
- And finally, review. It’s unlikely that you will have an album full of photos to help you relive your audit as you would when you have a real vacation. However, why not send yourself a postcard? Just some brief points on what you got out of the process, any lessons learned, an idea that you could use next time, etc. Jot it down in your file so that you can revisit at some time in the future.
Why not try this “vacation approach” on your next audit? Your friends might surprise you when they see you next: “Hey, you’re looking well! Have you been on a vacation?”
About the author
Kerry Palejs is the general manager of Global Operations at Exemplar Global (RABQSA International, iNARTE). With more than fifteen years’ executive management experience, including four as a CEO, Palejs has made significant contributions to a range organizations in the highly regulated vocational training, apprenticeship service, employment service, and disability support service sectors. She has held several board directorships for organizations in vocational education and disability, and served as a mentor for the “Women in Business” program.
Tags: audit skills, vacation approach.