CIA BY, RICHARD CHAMBERS, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE IIA, 25/09/2017

Let’s face it. We all hit the wall occasionally when it comes to generating the energy and enthusiasm that make us great internal auditors. Maybe we have just been assigned our third audit of the same business unit; it may be because we have been traveling for three weeks straight, or simply because it is Monday!

In most cases, the lull is short-lived, and we soon find the motivation and energy to deliver another great audit. But, what if we find ourselves in career doldrums that are more prolonged or severe? What should we do if we dread the thought of going to work day after day, week after week?

Change is inherent to business, and the best internal auditors lead and embrace change. In my mind, this constant flux and imagine-the-possibilities outlook is what makes our profession exhilarating. At the same time, the pressures placed on modern internal auditors to constantly stay at the top on their game, in dynamic conditions, with constrained resources, can create challenges and stresses that lead to burnout.

This can be particularly challenging for internal auditors who have been in their roles for several years. Going through the motions or falling into the perceived safety of a dull routine can imperil not just your organization but your career, as well. I am a firm believer that the enemy of sustained excellence is complacency.

Be particularly cognizant about the factors that sap your energies, recognize the symptoms of burnout, and be aware of the resources that can help reinvigorate your career. Here are five important tips to help avoid burnout and re-energize your internal audit career.

Recognize What Is Going on

Take Some Time off

Undertake a Career Vision Gap Analysis

Forge a Strategy to Redirect Your Career

Be Bold, Be Decisive, Be Brave