• Actions necessary for preparing to be influential
• Defining and practising the key skills of confidence building when interacting with people
• Identify and using the skills and techniques of influencing and persuading people to change
• positively and effectively
• Strategies for reducing conflict in working relationships

Who should attend?
People at any level who need to persuade and influence others positively.

Learning method
A mix of discussion and practical exercises.

Programme content

Session 1 - introductions and objectives
Session 2 - setting the scene
Influencing and persuading - defining relevance and importance
Understanding the business case for skills development
Barriers to influencing are persuading effectively
Understanding negative influences
Understanding behavioural styles
Recognising the consequences of behaviours
Group discussion and syndicate work
Session 3 - preparing to be influential
Developing a strategy for success
Identifying the key constituent parts to effective influencing and persuading
Building trust and credibility
How to get people to “buy in” to your ideas and thinking
Individual exercises
Session 4 - building self-esteem: self and others
Defining self-esteem
Considering the barriers
Preparing ourselves mentally and physically
The power of positive thinking and language
Visualising success
Practical exercises
Session 5 - the power of persuasion
Sharing ideas and compelling visions for the future
Creating empathy
Understanding others – values and motivation
Recognising and adapting to others’ styles
Listening, observing and questioning techniques
Understanding and practising assertive behaviour
Practical exercises
Session 6 - conflict reduction
Avoiding negative responses
Handling differences in opinion
Small group exercises
Session 7 – action planning
Planning future actions back in the workplace