Influence: advance your ideas and projects within the organization

1 How to analyze the situation

You'll be able to analyze the situation, to develop qualities such as critical thinking and analytical skills, neutrality, and empathy in order to complete a comprehensive overview that we call "situation analysis."

2 What characterizes a person in a position of influence in the organization?

Most people admit that it is easier to be influenced by a person who shows a good command of an issue. However, this mastery is not limited to a simple knowledge of the facts. It is characterized by a good understanding of the links between the elements of the file and the possible impacts on the different actors involved.

3 How to make a complete analysis of a given situation?

In order to have a global vision of the situation, it is necessary to move from the "macroanalysis" to the "microanalysis", to understand the external environment as much as the internal one, to deal with the stakes and the personalities, and then to grasp the dynamics and the history between each stakeholder.

• Analyze the internal and external environment
• Diagram relationships between stakeholders
• Identify risks and opportunities

4 Influencing who, what and why?

By the end of this module, you'll be able to plan the application process.

5 How to organize your influence strategy?

Most decisions are based on several factors: facts, of course, but also the credibility and power of the actors involved. The decisions taken favour those who have become aware of this system and who have decided to act on its various components.

The strategy of influence therefore consists in organizing actions to present the right arguments to the right people, either directly or indirectly. The goal is to obtain the support of the actors with the most decision-making power. This stage of the process requires critical and strategic thinking, political acumen and the ability to plan a set of activities.

• Aristotle's model
• S.O.N.C.A.S.E. method and selection of levers of influence
• Putting together a presentation file

6 What is the best influence strategy?

You'll be able to negotiate commitments with others.

The best influence strategy is one that can be executed and adjusted over time. With clear objectives and a certain level of trust, it is possible to reach out to different stakeholders to get their commitment. And if not, it allows you to come out with new information that will allow you to adjust the strategy.

This requires listening skills, the ability to question, explain and negotiate. It also implies the ability to be resilient in order to follow through, despite the obstacles encountered.

• How to attract attention and interest
• Presenting the project
• Choosing influence techniques
• Formalizing commitment

7 One conversation at a time

You will be able to stimulate the implementation of commitments.

8 When and how to do effective follow-ups?

If the best strategy is the one that can be implemented, the best agreement is the one that is followed by concrete actions, as agreed. For this to happen, it is essential to follow up with the stakeholders. This avoids letting things settle on their own, at the risk of falling behind schedule or having our project put on ice altogether. The level of trust in stakeholders, their reliability, and the quality of the relationship are all factors to consider when assessing the frequency and strength of follow-ups.

This learning unit aims to develop qualities such as thoroughness, reliability, interpersonal communication, and a sense of accountability.

This LU establishes a relevant context for the development of several skills, such as collaboration, professionalism, accountability and negotiation.

• Kübler-Ross change curve
• Validation of commitments
• Identifying stumbling blocks
• Technique for updating commitment

9 What about your project?

You will be able to bring about a specific change in your organization.

Participants are now called upon to work on their personal project and apply the knowledge and skills covered in this training. This synthesis activity will facilitate the transfer of learning to the workplace. Depending on the time available, two deliverables could be produced: the situation report or the presentation file.