Leadership and Influence

Move ideas forward when you cannot rely on authority

Why It Matters

Many important goals depend on people who do not report to you: partner agencies, other departments, peers, and senior leaders. Authority alone cannot get that work done, and pushing harder often backfires. Influence rests on credibility, an understanding of what others care about, and the relationships to bring people along. Professionals who build these skills get more done across boundaries, and organizations benefit from leadership at every level, not only at the top.

Course Description

Participants bring a current goal that requires support from people they do not manage, and they work on it as the course unfolds. The course starts with credibility: what earns it, what erodes it, and how participants are currently seen. An influence mapping exercise identifies the people who matter to the goal, what each cares about, and how they are connected. Participants then practice framing a proposal around the other person's priorities and test it in short pitch rounds with peer feedback. Scenarios address common obstacles, such as a skeptical senior leader or a peer protecting their turf. Discussion draws the line between influence and manipulation. Each person leaves with an influence plan for their goal and a date to review progress.

Key Focus Areas

Participants explore and practice:

Building and protecting credibility with peers and leaders
Mapping stakeholders, interests, and informal networks
Framing proposals around what others care about
Building coalitions for ideas that cross team boundaries
Influencing ethically and recognizing where persuasion becomes manipulation

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Map the people and interests that affect a goal they are pursuing
Frame a proposal around a stakeholder's priorities
Build a coalition plan for an idea that crosses team lines
Respond to skepticism from a senior leader with evidence and questions

Who Should Attend

Emerging and established leaders
Project and program managers
Individual contributors leading cross-team work
Staff working with partner organizations

Delivery and Customization

Examples, scenarios, and activities are adapted to your audience and goals. Delivery is available in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format, as a standalone session or as part of a series. Format and length are agreed during scoping.

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Bring Leadership and Influence to your team

Tell us about your audience and goals. We will follow up to scope objectives, format, and timing.

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