Emotional Intelligence for Internal Auditors
Working with people, connecting with them, and understanding their reactions all fall under the umbrella of emotional intelligence, which is directly related to everything pertaining to internal audit. We interact with people in meetings and conversations as internal auditors and when we identify problems and make conclusions, we occasionally get into contentious debates with them.
Ultimately, emotional intelligence involves comprehending not only how you react to people but also how they react to you, and learning how to deal with that so that you can perform better.
How Important is Emotional Intelligence for Auditors?
For internal auditors, emotional intelligence is crucial. Research shows that actual superstar performance, even at the greatest levels, is only about 10% IQ-related. Emotional intelligence, also referred to as EQ, makes up a sizable yet undeniably significant element of it.
If someone is unable to regulate their emotions or is oblivious of how their conduct and attitude affects others, even the smartest person in the room might suddenly appear dumb. Since internal auditors frequently encounter difficult interpersonal circumstances, emotional intelligence is essential to their effectiveness.
Evermore, people frequently picture dealing with auditees, clients, and customers when they think about internal audits and emotional intelligence. Nevertheless, it goes beyond that: It pertains to how you interact with your own team as well as how the team is formed, how you as an auditor interact with others, and how you, as a manager, improve the people around you.
How can Auditors Enhance Emotional Intelligence?
Starting to recognize your reactions, why they happen, and what causes them is the best method to improve your emotional intelligence.
People's reactions to internal auditors are the result of their perception that the auditors' presence would jeopardize their careers and/or working conditions. So, thoroughly understanding the auditee should be the first step.
Recognize the causes behind why things are the way they are. Recognize the culture and framework in place. Have the required empathy to comprehend what you see. After hearing what they have to say, suggest changes that would be beneficial to them and put into action. This is where emotional intelligence enters the picture— where you can comprehend not just what is spoken but also what is really going on behind the words.
Final Thoughts
Over your life, you've probably heard a lot about IQ. IQ, which stands for “intelligence quotient”, is used to gauge one's capacity for reasoning and is frequently related to one's perception of their own intelligence.
On the other side, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the capacity of a person to comprehend, utilize, and constructively control their emotions. Individuals who exhibit emotional intelligence may appear cool under pressure and understand others' perspectives. Someone with a high EQ may come to mind as your friend or coworker who has a natural ability to empathize with others and who manages their emotions under pressure.
Even the smartest person in the room can appear silly very fast if they are unable to regulate their emotions or are unaware of how their actions and attitudes affect others. Emotional intelligence is essential to the success of internal auditors since they frequently encounter difficult interpersonal situations.