Course overview.
Across the day you'll work through the practitioner toolkit used by political advisors, behavioural economists and senior change leaders: the six universal levers of influence, stakeholder mapping for complex matrix organisations, and the framing techniques that determine whether your idea lands or lingers. Real cases from Welsh public bodies, FTSE-listed firms and high-stakes negotiations.
Who it's for.
Senior managers, executives, programme leads, change managers, policy professionals and anyone whose effectiveness depends on getting others — peers, sponsors, board members, regulators — to act. Particularly useful if you're new to a role with broad accountability but limited direct authority, or if you're preparing for a high-stakes negotiation, transformation or board pitch.
What you'll learn.
The six levers of ethical influence
Reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking and scarcity — the underlying psychology of why humans say yes. We'll work through real-world business cases and identify which lever is doing the work in each, then practise applying them to your current challenges.
Stakeholder mapping for complex organisations
The hidden architecture of every decision. You'll learn to map power, interest and posture across stakeholders, identify the silent veto holders, and design influence sequences that build coalitions before you ever propose the idea formally.
Framing, narrative and decision shaping
How the same proposal lands as obvious or radical depending on how it's framed. Loss-aversion framing, anchor-setting, narrative arc construction — and the meeting-room techniques that turn a sceptical room into a unanimous one.
What you'll leave with.
By the end of the day you'll be able to:
- Apply the six principles of influence ethically
- Map stakeholders by power, interest and position
- Identify silent veto holders and engage them early
- Frame proposals using loss aversion, anchoring and narrative
- Sequence conversations to build a coalition before a decision
Before you book: None. Most valuable for managers, programme leads and anyone leading change without direct authority. Not sure it's the right level? Take the one-minute self-check.
Pairs well with:
How ideas get a yes.
Influence is a craft: psychology, then mapping, then framing, then sequencing. Here's how the day builds it. Select any stage to jump to it.
Is this course right for you?
Five quick questions, about a minute. You'll get an honest read on whether Influence Strategies for Modern Business fits where you are now, and which parts of the course will help you most.
This course is fully fundable through ReACT+.
If you've been made redundant or are facing redundancy in Wales, the Welsh Government's ReACT+ scheme can fund up to £1,500 toward this course — plus childcare, travel and accommodation expenses. We'll handle the application.
Benefits of Attending This Course
Develop the skills to influence effectively, build stronger professional relationships and gain support for your ideas. Learn practical strategies for communication, persuasion and stakeholder engagement that can improve your impact in modern business.
Ascent Training Wales · Bridgend.
Our conference room is purpose-built for effective training — bright, modern, and fully equipped for workshops, seminars and accredited sessions.
Llynfi Enterprise CentreHeol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate
Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 0BQ
Influence with Confidence and Purpose
Understand the Power of Influence
Learn how influence works in modern business environments and how to build credibility, trust and professional impact.
Communicate Persuasively
Develop techniques for presenting ideas, gaining support and influencing stakeholders through effective communication.
Strengthen Business Relationships
Build stronger connections by understanding different perspectives, adapting your approach and creating positive outcomes.
What people get wrong.
Three things we hear before almost every Influence Strategies for Modern Business course, and what's actually true.
Good ideas sell themselves.
Reality
Good ideas still need the right sponsor, frame and timing. Many are lost to poor sequencing, not poor thinking.
Influence is manipulation.
Reality
Ethical influence helps people make decisions that serve them too. The levers work best when what you say is true.
Decisions are made in the meeting.
Reality
Big decisions are usually shaped beforehand, in one-to-one conversations. The meeting confirms them.
Common questions.
Quick answers to what most people ask before booking. Still need help? Get in touch.
How long is the course and where is it delivered?
How much does it cost and what's included?
When is the next date available?
Is this course eligible for ReACT+ funding?
Can you deliver this course in-house for our team?
Where do the six levers come from?
Is influence training ethical?
Is this useful outside senior roles?
From the classroom.
Our Bridgend venue is purpose-built for working learning — bright, modern, configurable for cohorts of four to twelve, with quality AV throughout and free parking right outside.
Llynfi Enterprise Centre · Bridgend · More about our venue →
More in Management.
Courses that pair well with Influence Strategies for Modern Business, or that your team often takes as a sequence.
Ready when you are.
Book Influence Strategies for Modern Business for £275 a seat, or send us a brief and we'll come back with a tailored in-house quote for your team within two working days.