Tuning In to Excellence: What Auditors Can Learn from Top Podcasters

This weekend, I was on my usual Sunday run exploring the beautiful streets of Puerto Rico and listening to my favorite podcast. I was deep into an episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, engrossed in Dr. Andrew Huberman's conversation with a really impressive guest. As I navigated the winding path, it wasn't just the intriguing science facts that held my attention. It was Huberman's method of questioning – insightful, engaging, and seemingly effortless. Each query he posed seemed to unravel another layer of excitement and depth from his guest.

That moment of revelation was like a sudden uphill turn in my run. It took me back to my days as an auditor, sitting in sterile conference rooms, facing control owners. Our interactions, meant to uncover crucial details about their processes, often felt stilted, the responses I received as predictable and rehearsed as the questions I asked. The stark contrast between these experiences was jarring. What if auditors, like Huberman, could master the art of questioning to transform mundane audit interviews into dynamic, informative dialogues?

The Art of the Question: A Page from the Podcaster's Playbook

Reflecting on this, I realized that the key to Huberman's success wasn't just in what he asked, but how. The way he framed his questions, the genuine curiosity he conveyed, the seamless flow of conversation – these were elements that could be transformative in an audit setting.

Tip 1: Lead with Curiosity

I recalled how Huberman would often preface his questions with a personal note of interest, like "I'm particularly fascinated by XYZ..." This approach did two things: it directed the conversation to specific areas of interest and signaled an authentic eagerness to learn. In an auditing context, expressing specific curiosity could not only help focus the discussion but also encourage control owners to share more detailed, insightful responses. Curiosity will bring the passion out of people you are speaking to, there is nothing better than being in a conversation and the person you are talking to is genuinely curious about what you are saying. I know it makes me feel excited to share more and give more details.

Tip 2: Craft Engaging Follow-up Questions

Great podcasters like Huberman don't adhere to a script. They listen intently and adapt their follow-ups based on the guest's answers. This active listening leads to more organic, revealing conversations. As auditors, adopting this approach could mean the difference between surface-level information and uncovering deeper insights about control processes. I recall hearing Huberman say "before we leave this area, you said something I want to dive deeper into." He knew that there were other things he wanted to talk about but it was important to stop there and learn more about something the guest said. This is crucial because often times auditors miss opportunities to learn more from control owners because they are too focused on getting to the next part of the conversation and not actively listening to the people they are speaking to.

Tip 3: Create a Comfortable Conversation Space

The best podcast interviews feel like a conversation between friends – relaxed yet informative. This ambiance is something auditors should strive for. The tone of the interview can greatly influence the quality of information gathered. A more conversational approach can make the interviewee feel at ease, fostering openness and detailed sharing. This is super important. If you understand the environment of an audit, you'll understand that people are coming into these meetings naturally apprehensive. They expect a black and white, boring session. But as auditors you can change this, you can make your control interviews a relaxing conversation that encourages information sharing.

My run ended, but my thoughts on this parallel between podcasting and auditing continued to race. Auditing, like hosting a podcast, hinges on effective communication. By embracing these techniques from accomplished podcasters, auditors can elevate their questioning skills, leading to richer, more productive audit interviews.

Remember, the next time you prepare for an audit interview, think like your favorite podcast host. How would they navigate this conversation? Often, unlocking valuable insights is less about the questions you ask and more about how you ask them.

I'm curious about your experiences. Have you found parallels between your hobbies and professional skills? How have they influenced your approach to work? Share with me in the comments!