This dynamic course focuses on transforming managers into truly influential leaders who can inspire vision, drive motivation, and lead change through persuasion rather than positional authority. Participants will explore the psychological triggers of influence, learning how to articulate a compelling purpose that resonates deeply with their teams. The program is dedicated to mastering the art of storytelling, leveraging personal presence, and developing ethical influence tactics to secure commitment and drive high performance. By the end of this course, leaders will possess the advanced communication and motivational tools necessary to inspire discretionary effort, galvanize action, and successfully lead their teams through complex organizational challenges.
Influential Leadership: Inspire, Motivate, Lead
Leadership and Business Management
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define and practice the six universal principles of persuasion and influence (e.g., Reciprocity, Scarcity).
- Articulate a compelling vision and organizational purpose that deeply motivates team members.
- Master the use of storytelling and analogies to make ideas memorable and inspire action.
- Build and project a confident, authentic leadership presence that commands respect.
- Influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries without formal authority.
- Develop and maintain high levels of trust and credibility as a foundation for influence.
- Motivate employees by understanding and addressing their intrinsic and extrinsic drivers.
- Lead change initiatives effectively by persuading teams of the necessity and benefits of the change.
Target Audience
- Senior Managers and Directors
- Leaders responsible for driving change and strategic projects
- Internal Consultants and Project Leaders without formal authority
- Sales and Business Development Executives
- Professionals seeking to enhance their public speaking and persuasive communication
Methodology
- Video recording and analysis of participants' persuasive presentations and body language.
- Role-playing high-stakes influence scenarios with resistant stakeholders.
- Workshops on developing and presenting a compelling organizational vision through storytelling.
- Group activities applying Cialdini's principles to real-world business challenges.
- Individual exercises crafting personal influence and communication strategies.
Personal Impact
- Mastery of ethical influence tactics and persuasive communication skills.
- Development of a strong, authentic leadership presence and effective use of body language.
- Enhanced ability to motivate teams to deliver discretionary effort and high performance.
- Increased success in securing buy-in and cooperation from peers and senior leaders.
- A clear, inspiring personal leadership purpose that guides daily action.
- Improved ability to lead and mobilize teams during complex change initiatives.
Organizational Impact
- Faster, smoother adoption of strategic initiatives due to persuasive leadership.
- Higher levels of employee engagement and discretionary effort across teams.
- Improved internal and external negotiation outcomes and partnership results.
- A culture where leaders influence through vision and trust, not just position.
- Reduced resistance to organizational change and faster implementation cycles.
- Stronger internal collaboration and better cross-functional teamwork.
Course Outline
Unit 1: The Foundations of Influence and Trust
Section 1: Psychological Principles- The difference between authority, power, and genuine influence
- Exploring Cialdini's six principles of persuasion and ethical application
- Building and maintaining trust as the prerequisite for long-term influence
- Understanding the psychology of commitment and consistency in motivation
Unit 2: Inspiring Vision and Purpose
Section 1: Communicating the 'Why'- Developing a clear, concise, and compelling personal and team purpose statement
- Techniques for using metaphor and analogy to simplify complex strategic ideas
- Mastering the art of storytelling to create emotional connection and resonance
- Connecting daily tasks to the organization's larger mission and impact
Unit 3: Personal Presence and Communication Mastery
Section 1: Executive Presence- Elements of professional presence: verbal, non-verbal, and executive demeanor
- Strategies for speaking with impact and commanding attention in meetings
- Techniques for adapting influential communication to different audiences and cultures
- Listening to influence: understanding motivations and needs before persuading
Unit 4: Influencing Without Authority and Managing Change
Section 1: Horizontal and Upward Influence- Strategies for negotiating and gaining buy-in from cross-functional teams and peers
- Techniques for influencing senior leaders and securing necessary resources
- Leading change: persuading reluctant individuals and managing collective fear
- Building coalitions and mobilizing champions for a cause or initiative
Unit 5: Sustainable Motivation and Leadership Legacy
Section 1: Driving Discretionary Effort- Creating an environment where employees feel empowered and intrinsically motivated
- The leader's role in celebrating success and reinforcing influential behaviors
- Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs in team members to unlock potential
- Planning the long-term legacy of influence and leadership impact
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