In today's dynamic and often unpredictable business landscape, influence and power are not merely abstract concepts but critical competencies for leaders driving successful organizational change. The ability to effectively navigate complex stakeholder networks, inspire commitment, and overcome resistance is paramount for any transformation initiative to move from concept to impactful reality. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the strategic foresight and practical tools needed to harness these forces, ensuring initiatives are not only launched but deeply embedded and deliver measurable value.

This intensive five-day program moves beyond theoretical concepts, offering a hands-on blueprint for executive teams to diagnose underlying power dynamics, build strategic influence, and master the art of communication and negotiation. Participants will learn how to build trust, foster psychological safety, and communicate change in a way that resonates deeply with individuals, inspiring commitment and resilience. By the end of this course, you will possess the strategic insights and practical tools to lead transformations that achieve ambitious business objectives and cultivate a highly engaged, adaptable, and high-performing workforce.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Senior Leaders and Executives
• Change Management Professionals
• Project and Program Managers
• Organizational Development Specialists
• Human Resources Business Partners
• Team Leaders and Supervisors
• High-Potential Leaders
• Consultants specializing in organizational change
• Leaders of Business Transformation Initiatives
• Anyone responsible for driving change and influencing stakeholders

Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of power and influence in organizational change.
• Develop a strategic framework for leveraging influence to drive change initiatives.
• Master techniques for building credibility and trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Cultivate a leadership style that effectively navigates power dynamics.
• Enhance communication and persuasion skills for leading change.
• Learn to identify and address resistance by understanding its underlying power bases.
• Build resilient teams capable of adapting to and championing change.
• Measure the impact of influence strategies on change outcomes.
• Create a personalized action plan for wielding power and influence ethically.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Dynamics of Power and Influence in Change

• Defining power, authority, and influence in an organizational context
• Understanding different sources of power (e.g., legitimate, expert, referent, coercive)
• The psychological principles behind influence and persuasion
• The role of power dynamics in driving or hindering change initiatives
• Case studies of power and influence in successful and failed changes

Module 2: Building Credibility and Trust

• The foundational role of credibility and trust in effective influence
• Strategies for establishing and maintaining personal and organizational credibility
• Authentic leadership and its impact on follower buy-in
• Building rapport and strong relationships with key stakeholders
• The importance of consistency and integrity in communication

Module 3: Strategic Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

• Identifying and categorizing key stakeholders based on power and interest
• Analyzing stakeholder motivations, concerns, and potential influence on change
• Developing tailored engagement strategies for different stakeholder groups
• Techniques for building coalitions and alliances to support change
• Managing resistance by understanding stakeholder perspectives

Module 4: Communication and Persuasion for Change Leaders

• Crafting compelling narratives that inspire action and overcome skepticism
• Tailoring messages to resonate with diverse audiences and their power bases
• The art of active listening and empathetic dialogue to uncover hidden agendas
• Using data, logic, and emotional appeals effectively in communication
• Mastering negotiation and conflict resolution skills for high-stakes conversations

Module 5: Navigating Organizational Politics

• Understanding the informal power structures and political landscape
• Strategies for identifying and working with informal leaders and influencers
• Managing resistance from powerful individuals or groups
• The ethics of organizational politics and ethical influence
• Building a network of allies and advocates for your change initiative

Module 6: Empowering Teams and Fostering Ownership

• Delegating authority and empowering teams to take ownership of change
• Creating a culture where individuals feel they have influence and agency
• The role of a leader in coaching and mentoring teams through transition
• Fostering psychological safety to encourage open feedback and participation
• Recognizing and rewarding behaviors that support the new direction

Module 7: Sustaining Influence and Embedding Change

• Measuring the impact of influence strategies on change adoption and outcomes
• Establishing feedback loops to continuously refine influence approaches
• Integrating new behaviors and processes into the organizational DNA
• The importance of leadership consistency in reinforcing change
• Creating a long-term strategy for maintaining momentum and preventing backsliding

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.