Influence is defined as a leader’s ability to motivate others to change their behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes toward achieving unified goals.

Whether we are leading, following, or collaborating while bidding for resources or working on projects we often find ourselves needing something from someone we don’t manage.

Influencing others and bargaining for what is needed are essential components of the professional woman’s tool bag. Influence tactics are one of the most common ways to measure a leader’s effectiveness.

Since the research done on the topic of Gender Differences in Influence suggests that the differences are due more to influence tactics used versus gender, we will discuss and practice various Influence tactics and strategies to increase your effectiveness as a leader.

Developing Influence Skills Course Outline

Define Influence

Explore the research about gender, nationality, and age choices made when it comes to using various influence tactics

This section will delve into current research on how demographic factors affect the choice and effectiveness of influence tactics. Participants will gain insights into:

• Gender differences in perceived influence
• Cultural variations in influence strategies
• How age impacts the credibility and methods of influence

Identify the common mistakes women make while influencing

Here, we’ll discuss typical pitfalls that women may encounter when trying to exert influence in professional settings, such as:

• Undervaluing their contributions
• Apologizing unnecessarily
• Failing to negotiate effectively
• Not building strong networks

List the five unique influencing styles

This part will introduce and define five distinct influencing styles, which might include:

1. Assertive: Direct and confident approach
2. Collaborative: Building consensus and teamwork
3. Inspiring: Motivating others through vision and enthusiasm
4. Bridging: Connecting different viewpoints or groups
5. Logical: Using data and reason to persuade

Analyze Your Personal Influence Style Assessment

Examine what your chosen influence style looks like to others

Participants will reflect on their personal influence style and consider how it’s perceived by colleagues, superiors, and subordinates. This may involve:

• Self-assessment exercises
• Peer feedback activities
• Discussion of strengths and potential blind spots of each style

Determine best opportunities to use your style to address a variety of situations

This section will help participants identify when their natural influence style is most effective and when they might need to adapt. It will cover:

• Matching influence style to the audience
• Adapting style to different organizational cultures
• Identifying situations where each style is most impactful

Develop New Influence Habits

Summarize the value of each style and the most appropriate situation to use or not use each style

Here, participants will gain a deeper understanding of all five influence styles, including:

• The unique benefits of each style
• Potential drawbacks or limitations
• Scenarios where each style is most effective
• Situations where each style might be counterproductive

Apply influence tactics to real-world cases

This practical section will involve:

• Case studies of workplace influence challenges
• Role-playing exercises to practice different influence tactics
• Group discussions to share experiences and insights

Practice Influence Skills

Overcome the five barriers to develop bolder confidence

This part will address common obstacles to confident influence, such as:

1. Imposter syndrome
2. Fear of failure
3. Lack of self-promotion
4. Perfectionism
5. Limited network

Strategies to overcome each barrier will be discussed and practiced.

Create your 30 second “promotion pitch”

Participants will learn to craft a concise, compelling summary of their value and achievements. This section will cover:

• Identifying key accomplishments and skills
• Tailoring the pitch to different audiences
• Delivering the pitch confidently and naturally

Practice four steps to become more persuasive

The course will conclude with a framework for enhancing persuasion skills, which might include:

1. Building credibility
2. Finding common ground
3. Providing evidence and logical arguments
4. Creating an emotional connection

Participants will have the opportunity to practice these steps through interactive exercises and receive feedback from peers and the instructor.

Target Audience

Women who are “Professional Leaders,” whether you are a consultant, entrepreneur, corporate, or independent professional looking for additional guidance or if you want to be the leader of your own life no matter who you are or what you do then this program will give you the strategies and confidence you need to “influence with boldness”

Delivery Options

Influencing: Inspiring Yourself and Others is available in the following delivery formats: Half-Day Training Workshop, Full Day Training Workshop

Need On-Site Training?

Interested in running a custom tailored training course at your location? Contact us at inquiries@trainsmartinc.com or call us at 800-807-8030.

Women In Leadership Workshops