Influencing without Authority
Build confidence and influence outcomes without relying on job title or hierarchy. This practical course develops assertiveness, communication and influencing skills to help you gain buy-in and handle challenge effectively at work.
In this course, you will learn how to:
- Influence others effectively without formal authority
- Use assertive behaviours to communicate clearly and confidently
- Adapt your influencing approach to different people and situations
- Handle resistance, challenge and difficult interactions constructively
- Use language and non-verbal communication to strengthen your impact
- Understand how bias and perception affect influencing outcomes
Who is this course for?
Professionals who need to influence others as part of their role without relying on authority. Ideal for people working in project teams, matrix environments or specialist roles where collaboration, persuasion and confidence are essential.
Enquire NowFrequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to influence without authority?
Who should attend Influencing Without Authority training?
What skills will I develop on this course?
Is this course practical or theory-based?
How is the Influencing Without Authority course delivered?
What support is available after the course?
Course Outline
Course overview
Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours)
This is a highly interactive and practical course which will help you to use assertive behaviour and influencing techniques to deal more effectively with interpersonal situations.
This workshop has been specifically designed to give you an opportunity to learn and test a range of influencing and assertiveness models and techniques that will allow you to make the right decisions.
The course is aimed at anyone who interacts and needs to influence others on a regular basis but may not be able to use authority as a technique.
Objectives
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Utilise a variety of new techniques to enhance your influencing skills
- Feel more confident and be more effective when working in groups / meetings
- Recognise and define what assertive behaviour is and its benefits
- Recognise the impact of non-verbal communication and use it to enhance influencing behaviours
- Use language skills necessary to get your message across in an influential way
- Identify behaviours that can help or hinder interactions with others
- Use Perception, Bias, Decision Making and Judgement
- Understand personal preferences and approaches to Decision Making
Content
What is influencing and assertiveness?
- Sources of power
- Influencing skills
- Choosing the right approach
- When to be assertive and alternative behaviours
Assertive behaviour
- Behavioural styles and their impact on working relationships
- Building confidence to influence
- Negotiating a win win result without being the Manager or Leader
The Decision Lifecycle – Personal Preferences
- Understand the human facts that influence decision making
- Understanding personal preferences and approaches to Decision Making
- Understand the impact of Perception, Bias and judgement in influencing
- Speed reading others to support approaches to decision making
Developing Skills
- Communication skills – the language of influence
- Communication dynamics
- Different influencing techniques when you don’t have the authority
- The art of saying ‘No’
- Having the confidence to challenge
Practical
- Practical exercises
- Case studies
Why Choose Underscore for Influencing without Authority Training?
Underscore Group delivers practical, instructor-led leadership and personal development training that helps people communicate clearly, build confidence, and work more effectively with others. Based in Sussex and supporting organisations across the UK, we specialise in relatable, real-world learning that strengthens capability at every level — from early-career professionals to experienced managers.
Every session is tailored to your organisation’s culture, values and ways of working, ensuring the skills taught transfer directly into day-to-day behaviour. Our leadership and people-skills programmes are trusted by organisations across finance, aviation, healthcare, construction and professional services.
- Trusted by leading UK organisations
- Expert trainers with real business experience
- Small-group sessions (6–8 people)
- Practical, hands-on learning approach
- Virtual & onsite delivery across the UK
- Six months of post-course support
Get in Touch
Still have questions about this course?
Click Enquire Now and our team will share full details on content, dates, and pricing — and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you or your organisation.
Enquire NowLooking for training in a different area?
Browse all our Corporate Training Courses across Leadership, Project Management and Microsoft 365.
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