"If you were really talented, you wouldn't need to be here, and you wouldn't need us." This is how I opened the first event of a group of our company's brightest and best, joining our top talent development programme. To say my colleagues on the organising team were...

Article restricted for participants on our online training programmes. When developing your influencing strategy, especially when you are considering your analysis on a stakeholder map, I recommend that you ensure it addresses all of the following guidelines: Build...

When you have to engage with someone, and you have a difficult message to deliver, a decision needs to be made about how direct and assertive you can be. Put another way, you need to decide how tactful and diplomatic you have to be to avoid causing offense....

The guide below explains the general approach to use this exercise. Below are links to how to apply it to slightly different subjects. Find 7 pieces of card, about half the size of a business card. Write the power sources on them, one per card: Credibility, Character,...

Now it is time to start applying this to you. What is it about you which helps you to influence other people? Why do people do what you want them to do? How are you able to land your project and get people collaborating effectively? Using the cards again, sort them in...

To begin, I'd like you to identify three or four people you know quite well who are influential. If you are working for a large organisation, try to select of people who work there. Alternatively, think outside of your organisation and even, outside of your working...