From an auditee's (frontline) perspective, what are the key DO's and DON'Ts when being audited?

Question

Accepted Answer

DO: prepare ahead, answer courteously and concisely with facts, support statements with evidence, and bring in specialists when you don't know. DON'T: volunteer information, jump to conclusions, dramatize, criticize, or guess.

DO
DO NOT

Plan ahead — anticipate obvious questions, have evidence and specialists ready
Volunteer information

Answer courteous, correct and concise
Jump to conclusions

Use facts in your arguments, not opinion
Rephrase the question to suit your "story"

Support your statements with evidence
Dramatize problems / criticize people and management

Mobilize specialists when you don't know the answer
Try to solve problems on the spot, abusing the audit

Volunteer other people's services if outside your remit

Draw comparisons to "problem areas"

The theme: be honest and evidence-driven, but answer exactly what is asked — no more, no less.

DO	DO NOT
Plan ahead — anticipate obvious questions, have evidence and specialists ready	Volunteer information
Answer courteous, correct and concise	Jump to conclusions
Use facts in your arguments, not opinion	Rephrase the question to suit your "story"
Support your statements with evidence	Dramatize problems / criticize people and management
Mobilize specialists when you don't know the answer	Try to solve problems on the spot, abusing the audit
	Volunteer other people's services if outside your remit
	Draw comparisons to "problem areas"