I was raised with the importance of “manners”.
They matter to me.
They should matter to everybody. But they are especially important for internal auditors.
Manners are how you show respect for others.
Manners help you build and maintain constructive relationships.
Manners help you get people to talk and to listen to you.
Manners show who you are.
When I meet people, they often launch straight into a conversation. I wait for them to stop and then say, “Hello” with a smile.
When you say “Hello”, you acknowledge them, show that they matter, and show them respect.
I say “Hello” with a smile to everybody, from the CEO to the janitor.
I say “Hello” and wait. They almost always say “Hello” back, usually with a smile, and we are off to a respectful sharing.
It starts to break down any barriers.
When I ask for something, I say “Please”.
When I get it, I say “Thank you”. I am sincere. I mean it. I thank them for taking the time to give me what I needed – even when I didn’t actually need it.
When I start or end a meeting with an executive (or a first-level junior analyst), I thank them for making the time to meet with me. I thank them for what they have shared with me.
When I am about to pass somebody in the office, I smile or otherwise acknowledge their existence, their importance.
Because everybody does matter.
Everybody deserves our respect (until they don’t).
A polite and considerate auditor will be treated better by others.
An auditor that shows respect for the other person’s knowledge, duties, and importance will get better results with that person.
I remember that a secretary once made a mistake and as a result I had to rush, late, to a meeting. I raised my voice to her. Even as I left her, I knew that I was in the wrong even if she was wrong in what she did. So as soon as I got back, I apologized. It didn’t matter that she said there was no need for an apology. There was.
I reply promptly to every email or other message (except for spam, etc.). Don’t you hate it when there is no reply to your message?
Manners matter.
An auditor without them is doomed
An auditor that has them every minute of every day is much more likely to succeed.
Do you agree?