Influence. Build Trust. Engage Effectively.
For senior leaders who need to influence with clarity, build trust at the highest levels, and lead effectively in complex environments.
This practical, high-impact session equips participants with the mindset, tools and behaviours to work confidently across diverse stakeholder landscapes—internally and externally. Designed for minimal theory and maximum application, the session focuses on real-world challenges, peer learning and strategic action.
Who It’s For
- Senior leaders and executives navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Programme, transformation and innovation leads working across organisational boundaries
- Individuals responsible for influencing policy, investment or senior-level decisions without direct authority
- Public and private sector leaders working with mixed stakeholder groups (e.g. boards, clients, regulators, delivery partners)
Key Benefits
- Greater clarity in mapping and understanding diverse stakeholder needs and motivations
- Improved ability to influence without formal authority
- Practical strategies to handle resistance and strengthen trust
- Enhanced confidence in managing high-stakes conversations and political complexity
- Action plans tailored to live situations faced by participants
What’s Covered
Understanding the Stakeholder Landscape
- Value creation vs. satisficing: where to focus your energy
- Direct and indirect influence: finding the right path to decision-makers
- Mapping power, interest and trust dynamics
The Psychology of Influence
- Behavioural science tools for gaining trust and making better decisions
- The Trust Equation and Golden Triangle models in action
- Building resilience when facing resistance or rejection
Managing Resistance Strategically
- Recognising early signs of resistance
- Tailoring your response to the situation, not the person
- Balancing challenge and collaboration in senior roles
Influencing Without Authority
- Techniques for influencing upward, outward and laterally
- Using influence styles effectively, especially when the power sits elsewhere
- Engaging a broader audience and creating pull, not just push
Interactive Practice & Action Planning
- Live stakeholder scenarios and structured peer discussion
- Case study analysis and guided reflection
- Personal action planning to apply learning immediately
Format
The training is delivered as a half-day or full-day session, in person or live online. It combines short, focused inputs with high-level interaction, group work and peer coaching.
Session Structure (Half-Day Example)
- 10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome & Framing
- 10:15 – 10:45 | Key Concepts & Case Discussion
- 10:45 – 11:30 | Situational Stakeholder Challenges
- 11:30 – 12:00 | Behavioural Science and Resistance
- 12:00 – 12:30 | Influencing Without Authority
- 12:30 – 1:00 | Wrap-Up and Action Planning
What You’ll Get
- Pre-work materials: including reading and a short influence styles self-assessment
- Workshop facilitation: delivered by experienced professionals, using real cases and live scenarios
- Follow-up summary: a concise report outlining key takeaways, themes and next steps
Let’s Talk
This training is ideal for teams and individuals who want to improve their ability to lead, engage and influence in high-stakes situations. Get in touch to explore how this can be tailored for your organisation.
