Risk Orientation
“Risk orientation was the single biggest factor driving high CAE personal effectiveness scores in our study,” said Berichon. “CAEs with high-risk orientation improved their personal effectiveness by up to 47%.”
Risk orientation results in the CAE’s audit plan aligning with top enterprise risks, and audit’s risk assessment aligning with other functions. Further, audit recommendations are well-aligned to enterprise risk appetite.
“Everything internal audit does should be oriented to risk,” said Berichon. “Given the importance of risk orientation, it’s also interesting to note that effective CAEs are more likely to actively participate in enterprise risk management (ERM).”
Stakeholder Management
Stakeholder management drove an up to 30% improvement in CAE personal effectiveness. This involves regular informal discussion with key stakeholders, and an empathetic understanding of their motivations and priorities. The CAE monitors the concerns of key stakeholders, and CAEs understand how they are perceived by others.
“The most effective CAEs view themselves more as a strategic executive and are aspirational in the role,” said Berichon. “A vital characteristic of a high-performing executives is a strong rapport with stakeholders throughout the enterprise, and this is another main attribute found in the more effective CAEs.”
Team Leadership
Effective team leadership underpins effective CAEs. Coaching team members towards their goals and helping them to develop in their role is important, as well as encouraging direct reports to meet their counterparts across the business to discuss ongoing projects.
“This is not just about goals and priorities but about listening to, and understanding, the needs of a team,” said Berichon. “An effective team leader fosters an open culture where team members share thoughts and ideas, and helps people make connections that will aid their development.”
Gartner clients can read more in Quick Answer: CAE Personal Effectiveness Drivers and Risk Outcomes or take the CAE Personal Effectiveness Diagnostic.
About Gartner for Legal, Risk & Compliance Leaders
Gartner for Legal, Risk and Compliance Leaders provides expert guidance and tools to help leaders across legal, risk, audit and compliance departments more effectively manage an increasingly complex risk landscape and build next-generation functions. Additional information is available at gartner.com/en/audit-risk and gartner.com/en/legal-compliance. Follow news and updates on LinkedIn and X. Visit the Gartner Legal and Compliance Newsroom for more information and insights.