Our vision: Changed SAI YOUNG LEADERS contributing to positive change in SAIs

Our vision: Changed SAI YOUNG LEADERS contributing to positive change in SAIs

Our vision: Changed SAI YOUNG LEADERS contributing to positive change in SAIs

A personal journey of discovery and change

Throughout the INTOSAI community, it's widely recognised that the most effective force that transforms a SAI is strong SAI Leadership. Without SAI leaders driving positive change, it's impossible for SAIs to sustainably enhance capacities and performance.

Leadership is not a title or a stage. It's a journey.

A journey of growing into the future - that begins with people like you.

I saw the garden as a metaphor for certain aspects of my life. A leader must also tend his garden; he, too, plants seeds and then watches, cultivates, and harvests the results.

Nelson Mandela

A SAI Focus

The main purpose of all IDI endeavours is to support effective SAIs and help them - and the people within them - to grow.

That's the approach IDI takes with the SAI Young Leaders (SYL) initiative. Every SYL in the initiative focuses on implementing a change strategy to bring real and positive shifts in the SAI.

At the same time, this remarkable journey creates real and positive shifts within the individual SYL.

Two cohorts have already taken this journey - just see what they've grown.

The SYL Initiative

To grow strong leaders we use great tools

SYLs follow a syllabus covering four broad clusters - Discover Self, Grow People, Discover Universe and Create Value.

  • Enhance emotional intelligence
  • Build muscle to thrive in the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world
  • Continually strive for excellence
  • Enhance cultural intelligence
  • Enhance inclusive behaviour
  • Enhanced leadership skills
  • Lead by example (ethical, transparent, and accountable behaviour)
  • Awareness of Leadership styles
  • Facilitation and coaching skills
  • Negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills
  • Communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Growth and development
  • Conflict management
  • Performance management skills
  • Appreciation of role of SAI, its stakeholders and context
  • Demonstrate understanding of INTOSAI and its bodies
  • Demonstrate understanding of public sector audit
  • Explore trends that impact SAIs – climate change, sustainable development, digital transformation, and inequality
  • Trace the SAI value chain
  • Behave professionally in public interest
  • Think future
  • Innovate to find fit for purpose solutions
  • Strategise for change
  • Manage risks
  • Deliver intended outputs and facilitate sustainable positive change
  • Contribute to equal futures

... and great gardeners

SYLs learn theory and best practices from leadership development practitioners, IDI, INTOSAI and regional resource persons.

They have opportunities to interact with global SAI leaders, leaders from different walks of life and peers, to share experiences and understand real-life examples of theories and concepts.

Then we nurture every shoot ...

As our SYLs chart their growth journey, they often find that, in addition to the changes created with their SAI change strategy, the SYL initiative has unexpected offshoots.

Then we celebrate the harvest ...

Our SYLs have enjoyed success in many forms, from forging the way as young, often female leaders, to being on national news programmes and winning awards!

SAI Young Leaders graduated the programme

41

SAI Young Leaders graduated the programme

Women SYL graduates

83%

Women SYL graduates

Innovative and future oriented SAI change strategies implemented

41

Innovative and future oriented SAI change strategies implemented

Positive change in the SAI

Change strategy ranged from ISSAI Implementation strategies, communication strategies, digital solutions using data analytics, value chain reporting, strengthening follow up mechanisms etc.

Innovations introduced by SYLs and IDI together

SYL Leadership Link

SYL Leadership Link

SYL Community Values

SYL Community Values

SYL Integrated Plan

SYL Integrated Plan

SYL Community Values

EI Assessments and Coaching

SYL Integrated Plan

SYL Communication and Sustainability Plan

... and encourage new growth

Becoming a SAI Young Leader takes commitment and courage and a willingness to step out on a new growth journey – not just from the individual SYL, but from their SAI as well.

We'll be announcing the new cohort soon. If you'd like to take part contact IDI's SYL team on [email protected].

encourage new growth