Corporate leadership training
Leadership and Influence Training Course in Germany
Help your people lead beyond their job title: establish the credibility and presence that win attention, understand who really shapes decisions, build rapport, networks and alliances, and advocate for ideas persuasively and with integrity, through practical, case-based training.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including Germany - For leaders who need support
beyond their authority
Course overview
What Is Leadership Influence?
Leadership influence is the capacity to shape decisions and behaviour through trust, rapport and persuasive communication, a skill not confined to formal leadership positions. The course examines the psychology of influence, the bases of power and the organisational dynamics behind decisions, and develops practical ability in networking, building alliances, influencing upwards and advocating for ideas with integrity.
Interactive sessions, real-world case studies and practical exercises have participants trace who shapes a decision, build a coalition and advocate for a proposal, using situations leaders in Germany recognise.
Open to professionals across all industries in Germany, from managers and project managers to aspiring executives, the course shows that influence is not confined to formal leadership positions and helps participants use it strategically and with integrity.
Why it matters
Why Influence Matters in Germany
Across industries in Germany, much important work depends on people who sit outside a leader’s line of authority. Leaders who inspire trust, build rapport and argue their case persuasively are better placed to drive collaboration and change.
Authority is not enough
Leaders often need agreement from colleagues, partners and senior managers outside their authority.
Work crosses boundaries
Change in an interconnected organisation needs several teams on board together.
Ideas compete for attention
Good ideas go unheard unless someone advocates for them effectively.
Alliances get things done
Leaders in Germany with strong networks and rapport achieve change together.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
Influence is treated as a recurring cycle: establishing credibility, reading the people involved, connecting, advocating, forming alliances and protecting reputation, so it is earned gradually, not claimed in a single meeting.
Influence in action
- 1. CredibilityWhy should they listen?
- 2. MapWho really decides?
- 3. ConnectWho do I need to know?
- 4. PersuadeWhat will convince them?
- 5. AllyWho will stand with us?
- 6. ReputationWill they trust me again?
Key benefits
Why Organisations Choose This Course
This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:
Decisions Move Faster
Leaders resolve blockages through influence, not escalation.
Stronger Cooperation
Departments pull together on shared goals rather than competing.
Wider Networks
Professional networks that open new opportunities and roles.
Proposals That Land
Ideas advocated in terms that matter to decision-makers.
Fewer Stalled Initiatives
Support is secured early, so projects keep momentum.
Ethical Influence
Influence with integrity that respects people’s choices.
Have questions about this course?
Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.
Course curriculum
A practical and structured learning journey.
Twelve units in three stages progress from the principles and sources of influence, through trust, networks and coalitions, to persuasion and advocacy in practice, with interactive sessions and case studies throughout.
- Unit 1
Power Bases
- Separate what a position allows from what trust makes possible.
- Explore the principles of influence through French and Raven’s model.
- Profile the influence sources behind your personal leadership style.
- Unit 2
Earning Credibility
- Establish credibility through competence and reliable results.
- Deliver on promises so your word is trusted.
- Regain credibility after a setback by owning it.
- Unit 3
Reading Politics
- Read the organisational dynamics behind how decisions happen.
- Find the informal influencers and those who guard access.
- Handle competing interests with judgement, not loyalty alone.
- Unit 4
Influence Mapping
- Plot stakeholders by power and attitude.
- Understand each stakeholder’s interests and motives.
- Decide whom to approach first and how.
- Unit 5
Strategic Networking
- Invest in your network before you need it.
- Network across industries and build your personal brand.
- Add value in every contact so relationships last.
- Unit 6
Reciprocity
- Learn which currencies matter to each person.
- Share expertise and help to create goodwill.
- Trade favours in ways both parties see as fair.
- Unit 7
Building Coalitions
- Spot colleagues who also want the outcome.
- Draw sceptics in early and hear them out.
- Sustain the coalition until a decision is reached.
- Unit 8
Influencing Upwards
- Understand the goals and pressures above you.
- Present ideas and concerns to senior leaders with executive presence.
- Voice disagreement upwards with confidence and tact.
- Unit 9
Why People Say Yes
- Use Cialdini’s principles without crossing into pressure.
- Mix reasoning, evidence and emotional appeal.
- Flex your approach for different personalities.
- Unit 10
Framing Proposals
- Present ideas through the eyes of the person deciding.
- Make a brief, persuasive case for a clear decision.
- Judge when to ask, and where the conversation should happen.
- Unit 11
Winning Agreement
- Handle objections calmly in difficult conversations.
- Shape options that serve both sides’ interests.
- Lock in agreement as a clear commitment.
- Unit 12
Ethical Influence
- Know the difference between influence and manipulation.
- Advocate openly and keep your integrity intact.
- Guard your reputation over any short-term gain.
Course agenda
Two-day course agenda.
A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.
Welcome, objectives and introductions
Power bases
Morning break
Earning credibility
Lunch
Reading politics
Influence mapping
Afternoon break
Strategic networking
Day one reflection
Close
Recap and goals for the day
Reciprocity and exchange
Morning break
Building coalitions
Lunch
Influencing upwards
Why people say yes
Afternoon break
Framing proposals and winning agreement
Ethical influence and action planning
Close
Participant resources
What participants receive.
A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.
Course Workbook
Content, summaries and activities for every unit.
Templates and Worksheets
Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.
Action Plan Template
Turn learning into clear next steps.
Job Aids and Quick Guides
Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.
Digital Resources
Additional materials to revisit after the course.
Certificate of Completion
Recognition of the training completed.
Practical application
From theory to real workplace impact.
Participants apply each idea to realistic situations, tracing who shapes a decision, assembling a coalition, advocating to a senior leader and handling objections, the points at which leaders in Germany rely on support they cannot instruct.
Power Mapping
Trace official and informal influence around a live decision.
Coalition Challenge
Assemble backing for a proposal against a deadline in small teams.
Upward Pitch
Advocate for a proposal to a senior leader under questioning.
Objection Role-Play
Work through objections without damaging the relationship.
Who should attend
Designed for leaders who need others’ support.
Ideal for managers, team leaders, project managers, aspiring executives and others in any industry who need support from peers, senior leaders, partners or clients outside their authority, and want to influence with integrity.
- ExecutivesGain organisation-wide support for direction.
- Team LeadersSecure backing and resources for their team.
- Project ManagersInfluence stakeholders without line authority.
- EntrepreneursEarn the confidence of partners, investors and clients.
- EducatorsAdvocate for change within their institution.
- Recent GraduatesGrow their reputation and network early on.
Course format and delivery
Flexible options to suit your organisation.
Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Germany, online or a mix of both.
In-Person Training
Delivered at your organisation in Germany or at a suitable venue.
Virtual Training
Interactive, engaging live online delivery.
Blended Learning
A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.
Customised Training
Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training
- Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites and experience level.
No prior experience is required. The course suits new and experienced leaders alike and works well for mixed groups.
No formal prerequisites
Open to anyone who needs to win the support of others.
All experience levels
From recent graduates to senior executives.
Designed for mixed groups
Leaders from different functions learn from each other’s networks.
Ready to take part
Bring a proposal or decision you need support for.
Course framework
A structured approach to developing leaders.
The framework moves participants through a learning cycle, from grasping the principles of influence to practising them, reflecting on the results and using them on a genuine workplace decision.
Practical and Actionable
Practical tools ready for the next meeting.
Relevant to Germany
Focused on how decisions are reached in organisations in Germany.
Influence with Integrity
Influence that never trades away trust.
The influence cycle
- 1. LearnCore leadership principles
- 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
- 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
- 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
- 5. ApplyReal-world projects
- 6. GrowMentoring and peer support
Key learning outcomes
From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- 01
Build credibility
Project the competence and reliability that earn attention.
- 02
Map influence
Trace who drives a decision and each person’s interests.
- 03
Grow your network
Grow your network inside and outside your organisation.
- 04
Form alliances
Build alliances around a common objective.
- 05
Persuade ethically
Advocate for ideas persuasively and gain genuine buy-in.
- 06
Influence upwards
Bring ideas to senior leaders and disagree with tact.
Influence is not reserved for those with a title; it belongs to anyone others trust to act with integrity.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Exercises and planning tools are built around a decision or proposal each participant is working on.
Interactive sessions, real-world case studies and practical exercises use situations leaders in Germany meet, from advocating for an idea in front of senior management to steering a small team or a wider change towards one goal. Participants practise difficult conversations with peers from other industries and leave with an influence plan for a real decision.
Network Audit
Check who your network covers and where it is thin.
Exchange Planner
Match each stakeholder with something useful you can offer.
Credibility Check
Assess how your competence and reliability come across.
Proposal Frame
Reshape a proposal around what decision-makers care about.
Assessment
Assessment and learning progress.
A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.
Before the training
Share your goals and team context.
Agree the objectives and focus areas.
Confirm the format, timing and group.
During the training
Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.
Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.
Group discussion and reflection.
After the training
A personal action plan for the workplace.
Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.
Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.
Workplace application
Relevant to your context.
Participants use the tools on real situations in organisations across Germany, from making a case for resources to uniting departments behind a single change.
- Resource RequestsArgue for budget and staff.
- Cross-Team ProjectsWin cooperation across departments.
- Senior BriefingsAdvocate ideas to management.
- Partner TalksReach agreements that endure.
- New InitiativesSecure backing early.
- Professional NetworksBuild your professional brand.
Let’s discuss your requirements
Request a Customised Leadership Programme.
Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Germany or other locations worldwide.
- Share your priorities
- Receive a tailored proposal
- Explore delivery options
Adapting for Germany
Adapting the programme for German organisations.
We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.
Local case studies
Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Germany.
Cultural awareness
Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.
Community focus
Projects that address real local and community issues.
Industry and organisation focus
Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.
Delivery worldwide
Flexible delivery across Germany and worldwide.
We deliver this programme in Germany and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.
- In-person
- Virtual
- Blended
At Your Workplace
In-house sessions at your office in Germany.
A Venue You Choose
Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.
Live Online
Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.
Across Countries
Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.
Client experiences
What our participants say.
Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews
Yes, I would recommend this training to my colleagues. Understanding these structured recovery methods provides great tools for managing stress.
The course allowed me to identify the area where errors could occur and the various steps to identify and reduce the errors. Case studies were also provided to give a real-life experience instead of theoretical lessons.
Yes, since learning how to think critically is essential for both daily work tasks and personal decision-making.
Yes, particularly for beginners who need a clear, structured way to start organizing workplace information.
Yes, but you must come with an open mind to self-reflect.
Yes, I definitely would. The program teaches you exactly how to approach closing deals and handle tough discussions with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
Influencing beyond formal authority: credibility, organisational dynamics, networking, coalitions, influencing upwards and principled persuasion, put into practice on situations from organisations in Germany.
What topics does the course cover?
Twelve units in three stages: sources of influence (power bases, earning credibility, reading politics, influence mapping), networks and alliances (strategic networking, reciprocity, building coalitions, influencing upwards) and persuasion in practice (why people say yes, framing proposals, winning agreement and ethical influence).
Who should attend this course?
Managers, team leaders, project managers, aspiring executives, entrepreneurs, educators and graduates who must win support from people they do not lead.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Aspiring professionals build credibility and presence early, and seasoned managers extend their influence.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
Very hands-on. Interactive sessions, case studies and exercises have participants trace influence, build coalitions, advocate to seniors and handle objections.
How long is the course?
The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Can the course be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.
Can we use examples from our own industry?
Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.
Can we combine this course with other topics?
Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.
Is this course available outside Germany?
Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.
What delivery options are available?
In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.
What kind of exercises and activities are included?
Stakeholder tracing, a timed coalition task, advocacy to a senior leader, objection practice, a network check, an exchange plan, a credibility assessment and proposal reshaping.
Do participants receive mentoring during the course?
Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.
Will participants build a professional network?
Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.
How does the course support personal growth?
Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.
Is the course relevant to the German context?
Yes. It is designed for leaders and professionals across industries in Germany, with case studies on building credibility, winning support and influencing beyond formal authority.
Which cities in Germany can the course be delivered in?
We can deliver it in cities across Germany, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Germany.
Can we download a course brochure?
Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.
How do we request a proposal?
Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.
Who can we contact about this course?
Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.
Next steps
From enquiry to delivery.
A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.
- 1
Enquiry
Share your training needs and priorities.
- 2
Consultation
We discuss and refine the scope with you.
- 3
Proposal
Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.
- 4
Confirm
Review, adjust and agree the details.
- 5
Delivery
We deliver the programme for your team.
Get in touch
Get in touch about this course.
Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Germany. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.
- Email us[email protected]
- Call us+65 6714 6663
- Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
- Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.
This course is customisable
We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training
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