Leadership Skills For Internal Auditors: Inspiring Teams And Driving Impact

Introduction:

Effective leadership is essential for internal audit functions to thrive and deliver significant value. This comprehensive training course on Leadership Skills for Internal Auditors equips participants with the essential skills to inspire their teams, navigate complex challenges, and drive positive change within their organizations. Participants will learn how to develop their leadership style, build high-performing teams, effectively communicate with stakeholders, and become strategic advisors. This course bridges the gap between technical expertise and leadership excellence, empowering internal audit professionals to become influential leaders and elevate the impact of their internal audit functions.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for internal audit professionals who want to enhance their leadership capabilities, including:

• Internal Audit Managers
• Senior Auditors preparing for leadership roles
• CAEs seeking to develop leadership talent within their teams
• Anyone involved in leading and managing internal audit teams

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Leadership Skills for Internal Auditors training course, participants will be able to:

• Develop their personal leadership style and effectiveness.
• Build and motivate high-performing audit teams.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Influence and persuade key decision-makers.
• Manage conflict and navigate challenging situations.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the internal audit function.
• Become a strategic advisor to management and the board.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Mentor and develop future audit leaders.
• Understand the key competencies of effective audit leaders.
• Learn how to build a strong and respected internal audit brand.
• Understand the ethical considerations of leadership in internal audit.
• Develop strategies for leading through change.
• Enhance their emotional intelligence and leadership presence.
• Become a more confident and influential leader in the internal audit profession.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Leadership in Internal Audit

• Defining leadership and its importance in internal audit.
• Exploring different leadership styles and their impact (e.g., transformational, servant, democratic).
• Key competencies of effective internal audit leaders (e.g., communication, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence).
• Understanding the role of leadership in building a high-performing audit function.
• Ethical considerations in internal audit leadership (e.g., integrity, objectivity, confidentiality).

Module 2: Developing Your Leadership Style and Effectiveness

• Assessing your current leadership strengths and weaknesses (e.g., using self-assessment tools, 360-degree feedback).
• Identifying your personal leadership values and principles.
• Developing a personalized leadership development plan.
• Improving self-awareness and emotional intelligence (e.g., understanding your own emotions and how they impact others).
• Building confidence and leadership presence (e.g., through communication skills, body language, and self-presentation).

Module 3: Building and Motivating High-Performing Teams

• Creating a positive and collaborative team environment (e.g., fostering open communication, trust, and respect).
• Setting clear expectations and goals for team members (e.g., using SMART goals, providing regular feedback).
• Providing constructive feedback and coaching (e.g., focusing on behavior, providing specific examples, offering solutions).
• Recognizing and rewarding team accomplishments (e.g., celebrating successes, acknowledging individual contributions).
• Delegating effectively and empowering team members (e.g., matching tasks to skills, providing autonomy and support).

Module 4: Communicating Effectively with Stakeholders

• Understanding the communication needs of different stakeholders (e.g., management, audit committee, regulators).
• Tailoring communication style and messaging accordingly (e.g., using different levels of detail, focusing on key messages).
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., through regular communication, active listening, and demonstrating value).
• Presenting audit findings clearly and persuasively (e.g., using data visualization, storytelling, and impactful presentations).
• Communicating difficult messages effectively (e.g., providing constructive feedback, managing conflict, and maintaining professionalism).

Module 5: Influencing and Persuading Key Decision-Makers

• Developing influence and persuasion skills (e.g., building credibility, using logic and emotion, framing arguments effectively).
• Building relationships and networks with key stakeholders (e.g., through collaboration, communication, and demonstrating expertise).
• Presenting compelling arguments and evidence (e.g., using data, facts, and examples to support your points).
• Negotiating effectively to achieve desired outcomes (e.g., understanding different negotiation styles, finding common ground, and creating win-win solutions).
• Navigating organizational politics and power dynamics (e.g., understanding the informal power structures and building alliances).

Module 6: Managing Conflict and Navigating Challenging Situations

• Understanding the causes of conflict in the workplace (e.g., differing opinions, communication breakdowns, personality clashes).
• Developing conflict resolution skills (e.g., active listening, empathy, and problem-solving).
• Managing difficult conversations and personalities (e.g., staying calm, assertive, and respectful).
• Handling challenging situations with grace and professionalism (e.g., maintaining composure, focusing on solutions, and learning from mistakes).
• Building resilience and managing stress (e.g., through self-care, mindfulness, and support networks).

Module 7: Driving Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Fostering a culture of innovation within the internal audit function (e.g., encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and learning from failures).
• Encouraging creativity and experimentation (e.g., brainstorming sessions, design thinking workshops, and pilot projects).
• Implementing process improvements and efficiencies (e.g., using Lean principles, automation, and data analytics).
• Embracing new technologies and methodologies (e.g., agile auditing, continuous auditing, and data visualization).
• Leading change initiatives effectively (e.g., developing a change management plan, communicating effectively, and managing resistance).

Module 8: Becoming a Strategic Advisor

• Understanding the business and strategic objectives of the organization (e.g., through strategic planning sessions, industry analysis, and understanding the business model).
• Providing value-added insights and recommendations (e.g., by focusing on key risks, providing actionable solutions, and supporting recommendations with data).
• Building strong relationships with senior management and the board (e.g., through regular communication, demonstrating expertise, and building trust).
• Contributing to strategic decision-making (e.g., by providing insights on risk, control, and governance).
• Becoming a trusted advisor and thought leader (e.g., by developing expertise in key areas, sharing knowledge, and building a reputation for insightful advice).

Module 9: Mentoring and Developing Future Leaders

• Identifying and developing high-potential individuals (e.g., through performance reviews, talent assessments, and succession planning).
• Providing mentorship and coaching to team members (e.g., sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and offering support).
• Creating leadership development opportunities (e.g., through training programs, stretch assignments, and mentoring programs).
• Building a pipeline of future audit leaders (e.g., by identifying and developing talent, providing leadership training, and creating opportunities for advancement).
• Succession planning for the internal audit function (e.g., identifying potential successors, developing their skills, and ensuring a smooth transition).

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.