There is both an art and a science to influencing upwards that can be learned. This workshop will provide the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to both get your ideas heard and do it in a way that serves the organization, your boss, and your own team.
Course Overview
Course Outcomes
- Present ideas positively and persuasively
- Find and use the right “levers” to move ideas forward
- Use positive workplace politics to be more influential
Business Need
Leadership is largely about influence. Leaders must be able to influence those who work for them to accomplish the mission and goals of the organization. Typically the organization provides a nice set of tools to help accomplish this. Leaders also have to be able to influence peers and bosses; an organization may provide fewer tools to accomplish this. Yet all leaders are faced on occasion with the need to “tell truth to power” and influence up the chain of command. Some leaders do this well others less so.
Course Topics
What Makes it Hard
- Sharing stories of challenging situations
- Understanding why we hesitate to influence upward
Working with Team Members
- Own expertise
- Understanding of boss
- Insight into organizational issues
Communicating Expecations
- Adopt the boss’ point of view
- Paint a picture
- Make it come alive
- Pitch in terms of greater good
- Do cost/benefit analysis
Managing Conflict and Negotiating Agreement
- In service of the organization
- Act with both courage and understanding of risk
Course Schedule
Typical Course Duration
Virtual: 2 hours
In-person: 4 hours
Delivery Methods
Number of participants
- in-person: 30
- virtual: 30
Course Details
Course Level:
- Leaders at all levels
Learning Methods:
- Case Study
- Discussion
- Lecture
- Personal Reflection
Equipment:
- easel/markers
- LCD projector and screen