SALT RIVER PROJECT

Challenges / Opportunities

• Audit has been feared.
• Interpersonal and client relationship skills are underdeveloped.
• CAS prioritizes a culture of execution far more than a culture of learning.
• No ongoing client management training and implementation.
• Lack of awareness of Corporate Audit Services total value to the rest of SRP.
• Weak succession planning process.
• Small leadership “bench”

Recommendations & Implementations

Live Training Sessions
Six three-hour sessions focused on key skills through interactive exercises and real-time feedback, supported by learning partners and managers.

Monthly Individual Coaching
One-on-one coaching with three selected leaders to reinforce learning, address challenges, and support development in a train-the-trainer format.

Business Project
Participants apply their learning to a real client partnership challenge aligned with CAS monthly meetings, demonstrating competency and integration of new skills.

Final Presentation
Participants present their project outcomes, highlighting applied skills and overall impact from the program.

Measuring Proficiency
Client surveys and 150 manager interviews assess communication, satisfaction, and skill application improvements.

The Trusted Advisor Program Had These Competencies

Business Chemistry

Objective: Improve understanding of personality types and emotional intelligence to enhance team collaboration.

Key Components:

• Personality Assessment: Identify strengths, communication styles, and growth areas.
• Emotional Intelligence: Build self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

Communication

Objective: Enhance communication and interviewing skills for clearer, more effective client interactions.

Key Components:

• Interviewing Techniques: Practice active listening, open-ended questions, and info-gathering.
• Communication Skills: Learn to simplify complex ideas, adapt style, and manage tough conversations.
• Presentations: Master engaging in-person and virtual presentation techniques.

Persuasion & Negotiation

Objective: Strengthen influence and negotiation abilities to achieve win-win outcomes.

Key Components:

• Persuasion: Build credibility, craft persuasive messages, and influence decisions.
• Negotiation: Apply collaborative strategies to find common ground and resolve conflicts.

Results

• Very high approval for the program,
• Many skills and tools were embedded into their audit process.
• Discussions are underway to create a train-the-trainer program.