The Evolving Auditor: Cultivate a flexible mindset with NLP Presuppositions !

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that explores the connection between neurological processes (neuro-), language patterns (-linguistic), and behavioral patterns (-programming). It suggests that our subjective experiences are shaped by the way we perceive and process information.

NLP techniques aim to understand and modify patterns of thought and behavior to achieve personal development and communication improvement. By analyzing and reprogramming our internal thought processes, language use, and behavior, NLP seeks to enhance self-awareness, communication skills, and personal effectiveness.

One such technique is the concept of presuppositions, which are a set of underlying beliefs or assumptions that form the foundation of NLP. They are not necessarily proven facts, but rather useful principles that, when adopted, can positively influence communication and thinking patterns and personal change. These presuppositions provide a framework for understanding and interacting with the world.

The purpose of NLP presuppositions is to offer empowering perspectives and facilitate personal growth and effective communication. They are designed to encourage flexibility, expand possibilities, and enhance understanding of oneself and others.

Ever since my first exposure to NLP 10 years ago, I have always wondered about the application of its concepts in the professional life of internal auditors. Presuppositions, in particular, appealed to me as “shortcuts” to a flexible mindset, a much-needed capability to navigate complexities of the role of the internal auditor in a rapidly changing landscape.

Here are some ways internal auditors can leverage NLP presuppositions to enhance their mindset and improve their approach to conducting and reporting audits:

• Outcome-Oriented Focus: Internal auditors can adopt the presupposition that every audit has a positive outcome, emphasizing the potential for improvement and growth. By maintaining a focus on the desired outcomes, auditors can approach their work with a constructive mindset, seeking opportunities for enhancement rather than solely identifying deficiencies.
• Flexibility and Openness: NLP presuppositions encourage auditors to remain flexible and open-minded. Internal auditors can adopt the belief that people and systems operate according to their best understanding, given their circumstances and resources. This mindset helps auditors approach their work without preconceived notions, allowing them to gather comprehensive and unbiased information.
• Feedback as Information: The presupposition that all feedback is information rather than criticism can be valuable for auditors. This mindset shift allows auditors to view feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than something to be defensive about. It encourages auditors to welcome feedback and incorporate it into their audit reports constructively.
• Respect for Different Perspectives: Internal auditors can adopt the presupposition that everyone has a unique perspective, and each perspective is valuable. This mindset promotes active listening and empathy when engaging with auditees. It encourages auditors to consider diverse viewpoints, fostering a collaborative and cooperative audit process.
• Resourcefulness and Solutions Focus: NLP presuppositions emphasize the belief that individuals possess the resources necessary to achieve their desired outcomes. Auditors can adopt this mindset and actively seek solutions and best practices during the audit process. By focusing on identifying and highlighting positive examples and effective controls, auditors contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
• Responsiveness and Adaptability: NLP presuppositions encourage individuals to take responsibility for their responses and adapt their strategies based on feedback. Internal auditors can adopt this mindset to remain responsive to changing circumstances and adjust their audit approach accordingly. This helps auditors maintain a proactive and agile mindset throughout the audit process.

By consciously incorporating NLP presuppositions into their mindset, internal auditors can enhance their communication, problem-solving abilities, and overall effectiveness. These presuppositions help auditors adopt a positive and collaborative mindset, leading to improved audit outcomes and stronger relationships with auditees.

If you would like a workshop or deeper training on?NLP techniques?for your Internal Audit team, please drop me a mail at?[email protected]?or reach me on +919845800277.

Note: These articles are published as part of the “The Evolving Auditor” coaching and power-skills program and series for the internal audit fraternity. There is no definitive list of NLP presuppositions, although various practitioners cite between 14-25 such presuppositions. As part of this series, I will be releasing short articles on how each presupposition can support internal auditors in enhancing their mindset and their approach to conducting and reporting audits.