People-Centric Skills. Danny M. Goldberg

Foreword

      OVER THE COURSE of my 40-plus years in the internal auditing profession, I've had the privilege of meeting thousands of practitioners from around the world whose personalities are as varied and fascinating as their cultures. My experiences provide ample evidence to dispel an unfair and lingering stereotype that internal auditors are, well, dull.

      Another typecast paints all internal auditors as shy and awkward introverts. I must admit (sheepishly) that one of my favorite jokes about internal auditing plays on this stereotype:

      Q: Did you hear about the extroverted internal auditor?

      A: He looks at your shoes when he talks to you.

      But this, too, is an unfair and inaccurate portrayal. So why does it persist?

      Part of the answer lies in the kind of work we do and how we do it. The only interaction many people have with internal auditors is fraught with concern.

      Oh no! Why is our department being audited? What is internal audit looking for? Why are they poking around my records? Did I do something wrong?

      With such tension as a backdrop to the internal auditor walking in the door, first impressions with our engagement clients go a long way toward establishing how they perceive our profession. If a team of auditors comes in the door with a no-nonsense and standoffish attitude, demanding records and pontificating about independence and objectivity, the lasting impression will not be a positive one. This is why building our soft skills—those skills that help us connect on a personal level—is critical to our success.

      People-Centric Skills: Interpersonal and Communication Skills for Financial Professionals, 2nd edition, goes a long way toward getting us there.

I have known Danny M. Goldberg for many years. He has dedicated much of his career to championing our profession and helping practitioners build critical soft skills. For more than two decades, Danny has built and led internal audit functions. He is a well-known author in the profession and has published numerous articles in trade magazines over the years.

      In this revised edition, Danny picks up where his 2014 book of the same name left off. He provides clever anecdotal teaching moments through his lead character, Dalton Zimmer, that focus on how auditors can approach different situations and scenarios. From interview techniques and reading body language to understanding the art of listening, the book covers important soft-skill topics, including self-awareness and empathy, emotional intelligence, and influencing change. His new book also provides an important update about communicating with two generations whose influence is growing quickly in business—Generation X and Millennials.

      As a consistently eloquent voice promoting the value of effective communication, Danny reminds us that we must connect with people. That is why his first book resonated so well, and I'm certain that version 2.0 will, as well.

      Richard F. Chambers, CIA, QIAL, CGAP, CCSA, CRMA

      President and CEO

      The Institute of Internal Auditors