Corporate leadership training
Leadership and Influence Training Course in the United Arab Emirates
Help your leaders influence stakeholders with confidence: earn the trust that makes people listen, see who truly shapes a decision, forge strategic partnerships and persuade with integrity, even where they hold no formal authority, through practical training built on real cases.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including the United Arab Emirates - For leaders who need support
beyond their authority
Course overview
What Is Leadership Influence?
Leadership influence means shaping what colleagues, partners and senior managers think and do through trust, relationships and persuasive communication rather than rank. The course explores the psychology of influence, where power comes from, how organisational dynamics shape decisions and how to engage stakeholders, and builds skill in networking, forging partnerships, influencing upwards and persuading ethically.
Through case studies, discussion and hands-on exercises, participants chart who sways a decision, plan how to gain buy-in from several stakeholders and tell a persuasive story for a proposal, in the diverse settings leaders in the United Arab Emirates work in.
Whether participants are mid-level managers preparing for senior roles or entrepreneurs establishing their presence, the course helps leaders in the United Arab Emirates influence stakeholders, forge strategic partnerships and gain buy-in across diverse organisations.
Why it matters
Why Influence Matters in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates offers a business setting marked by rapid growth, cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Leaders who build trust across cultures and win support for change help their organisations seize what it offers.
Authority is not enough
Leaders rely on colleagues, partners and senior managers who do not report to them and cannot simply be told what to do.
Work crosses boundaries
Major initiatives need backing from several functions, not just from one team.
Ideas compete for attention
Even strong ideas fade unless someone wins buy-in for them before the decision is taken.
Alliances get things done
Leaders in the United Arab Emirates with trusted partnerships seize opportunities sooner.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
Participants treat influence as a cycle they repeat: earning the standing to be heard, reading the decision, connecting, persuading, gathering allies and guarding the trust that wins support next time, so it grows over months.
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 gain support directly instead of escalating every disagreement.
Stronger Cooperation
Functions get behind each other’s goals and share knowledge more readily.
Wider Networks
Contacts that create opportunities within the business and well beyond it.
Proposals That Land
Proposals told as stories, framed around what decision-makers value.
Fewer Stalled Initiatives
Buy-in is secured well before a project goes for approval.
Ethical Influence
Influence grounded in transparency and shared gain, never coercion or spin.
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 take participants from the roots of influence, through building professional networks and strategic alliances, to persuading stakeholders in real situations, with case studies and practice at every step.
- Unit 1
Power Bases
- Separate the authority a job title gives from the influence you earn yourself.
- Test French and Raven’s power bases against real workplace cases.
- Recognise which strengths you lean on to sway others.
- Unit 2
Earning Credibility
- Establish credibility through know-how, dependability and delivery.
- Do what you say, so people can rely on your word.
- Rebuild trust openly after you get something wrong.
- Unit 3
Reading Politics
- See the organisational dynamics behind real decisions.
- Spot who holds informal sway and who controls access.
- Steer through competing interests and cultural nuances with care.
- Unit 4
Influence Mapping
- Plot each stakeholder by how much sway they hold and where they stand.
- Learn what matters to each stakeholder, and why.
- Decide the order in which to approach people.
- Unit 5
Strategic Networking
- Invest in relationships long before you need them.
- Use industry forums, conferences and associations to widen your circle.
- Stay in contact in ways that are useful to others.
- Unit 6
Reciprocity
- Find out what each person values: the currencies you can trade.
- Share help, insight and contacts to build goodwill.
- Agree trades that leave both sides better off.
- Unit 7
Building Coalitions
- Find colleagues who stand to gain from the same result.
- Invite doubters into the discussion at an early stage.
- Hold cross-functional support together until the decision.
- Unit 8
Influencing Upwards
- Learn the goals and pressures your manager is working under.
- Put ideas and concerns to senior leaders persuasively.
- Challenge a senior view respectfully and assertively.
- Unit 9
Why People Say Yes
- Use Cialdini’s persuasion principles with integrity.
- Blend facts, evidence and storytelling to make your case.
- Adjust your verbal and non-verbal style to each person.
- Unit 10
Framing Proposals
- Present ideas in terms of what the other person cares about.
- Tell a brief, persuasive story that supports a decision.
- Pick the best time and place to make your request.
- Unit 11
Winning Agreement
- Draw out objections and respond to them calmly.
- Use BATNA and ZOPA to find outcomes that serve both sides.
- Convert a verbal yes into a firm, agreed commitment.
- Unit 12
Ethical Influence
- Tell legitimate persuasion apart from manipulation.
- Influence openly and stay accountable for your methods.
- Value lasting trust above a quick win.
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 put each idea to work on realistic cases: charting who sways a decision, assembling cross-functional backing, pitching to a senior leader and handling pushback, the moments when leaders in the United Arab Emirates need support they cannot order.
Power Mapping
Chart the formal and informal sway around a live decision.
Coalition Challenge
Secure enough backing for a proposal against the clock, in teams.
Upward Pitch
Pitch an idea to a senior leader and field their questions.
Objection Role-Play
Handle pushback assertively while protecting the relationship.
Who should attend
Designed for leaders who need others’ support.
Built for mid-level managers aiming higher, entrepreneurs building their presence and other professionals who must win backing from peers, senior leaders, partners or clients they do not manage, and want to do it honestly.
- ExecutivesWin organisation-wide backing for strategic initiatives.
- Team LeadersSecure resources and support for their people.
- Project ManagersDeliver results without line authority.
- EntrepreneursGain the trust of partners, investors and clients.
- EducatorsWin colleagues over to change in their institution.
- Recent GraduatesStart building credibility and contacts early.
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 the United Arab Emirates, online or a mix of both.
In-Person Training
Delivered at your organisation in the United Arab Emirates 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 takes participants through a learning cycle, from seeing where influence comes from to practising it, reflecting on what worked and using it on a live decision in their own organisation.
Practical and Actionable
Stakeholder maps and plans ready to use back at work.
Relevant to the United Arab Emirates
Shaped around how decisions get made across organisations in the UAE.
Influence with Integrity
Persuasion that respects people and keeps trust whole.
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
Grow the expertise and dependability that earn you a hearing.
- 02
Map influence
Pinpoint who sways a decision and what matters to each of them.
- 03
Grow your network
Develop professional relationships inside the organisation and across your industry.
- 04
Form alliances
Unite supporters behind one shared objective.
- 05
Persuade ethically
Make a persuasive, honest case that earns real agreement.
- 06
Influence upwards
Present ideas to senior leaders and challenge them respectfully.
People follow leaders whose word holds, so every request either builds that trust or spends it.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Hands-on exercises and planning tools are applied to a real proposal or decision each participant brings from their own work.
Case studies and lively discussions draw on situations leaders in the United Arab Emirates meet, from winning buy-in for change from colleagues of different cultural backgrounds to agreeing a partnership that works for both sides. Participants practise with peers from other industries and leave with an influence plan for a decision of their own.
Network Audit
Take stock of who you know and where your network has gaps.
Exchange Planner
Work out what you could give each stakeholder in exchange.
Credibility Check
Gauge how colleagues view your expertise and dependability.
Proposal Frame
Rework a proposal around what a decision-maker values.
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 the United Arab Emirates, from bidding for budget to rallying several departments behind one change.
- Resource RequestsMake a strong case for budget.
- Cross-Team ProjectsWin support from fellow managers.
- Senior BriefingsBrief leaders clearly and concisely.
- Partner TalksForge partnerships that last.
- New InitiativesWin buy-in before you launch.
- Professional NetworksWiden ties across your industry.
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 the United Arab Emirates or other locations worldwide.
- Share your priorities
- Receive a tailored proposal
- Explore delivery options
Adapting for the United Arab Emirates
Adapting the programme for Emirati 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 the United Arab Emirates.
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 the United Arab Emirates and worldwide.
We deliver this programme in the United Arab Emirates 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 the United Arab Emirates.
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, but you must come with an open mind to self-reflect.
Yes, I would recommend this training to my colleagues. Understanding these structured recovery methods provides great tools for managing stress.
Yes, since learning how to think critically is essential for both daily work tasks and personal decision-making.
Yes, I would recommend it. Gaining a clear framework on communication styles is highly useful for de-escalating tough client situations
Yes definitely. Gaining a deep understanding of structured mentoring models is incredibly beneficial for anyone stepping into a leadership role.
Yes, it serves as an excellent starting point for teams managing cross-cultural integration.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
It teaches leaders to win support without leaning on authority: earning credibility, reading organisational dynamics, networking, forming alliances, influencing upwards and persuading ethically, applied to real situations in the United Arab Emirates.
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?
Mid-level managers aiming higher, executives, team and project leaders, entrepreneurs, educators and graduates who need backing from people outside their line.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Graduates and new managers use it to build credibility from the start, while seasoned leaders extend their reach.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
Very practical. Case studies, discussions and role-plays let participants chart influence, assemble support, pitch to senior leaders and deal with 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 the United Arab Emirates?
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?
Mapping who holds sway, a timed coalition exercise, pitching upwards, objection role-plays, auditing your network, planning exchanges, a credibility review and reframing a proposal.
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 Emirati context?
Yes. It is built for leaders in the United Arab Emirates, with discussions and case studies on winning support across cultures, functions and partner organisations in a fast-growing economy.
Which cities in the United Arab Emirates can the course be delivered in?
We can deliver it in cities across the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in the United Arab Emirates.
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 the United Arab Emirates. 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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