In today's complex organizational landscapes, effectively driving change requires more than just expertise – it demands the ability to navigate power dynamics and internal politics with confidence and authenticity.
This highly engaging four-day program is designed for experienced professionals like you who are eager to enhance your influence, particularly those who may feel less comfortable asserting power or maneuvering through political environments. Through a blend of psychological insights, practical simulations, and personalized strategies, you will discover your unique influence styles and develop actionable plans to lead with impact while remaining true to yourselves.
Key facts
Benefits
- Deepen understanding of power dynamics by exploring the psychology of influence in organizations.
- Identify myths and assumptions that may have limited your use of persuasion and politics.
- Navigate organizational politics with ethical, confident strategies for greater impact.
- Harness introvert strengths like empathy and active listening to lead with influence.
- Develop a personal power map to navigate structures and drive your initiatives.
Your profile
This program is ideal for professionals who:
- have a minimum of 8 years of work experience
- have led teams, complex projects, or programs involving multiple stakeholders
- seek to drive change and make a significant impact within their organizations
- feel less comfortable with traditional power dynamics and wish to find authentic ways to influence
- aim to enhance their ability to navigate internal politics ethically and effectively
Topics
- The psychology of influence
- Debunking myths and self-limiting beliefs
- Types, sources, and pathways of power
- Persuasion mindsets, styles, and toolkits
- Navigating organizational politics
- Maintaining authenticity while influencing
Downloads
Persuasion, Power, and Politics
Next dates
Program structure
Understand the mental frameworks that drive power dynamics within organizations, and how the different types and sources of power show up.
A role-play case with high-stakes group decision-making, requiring you to exert your persuasion outside of your comfort zone. A great chance to reflect on your strengths and blind spots, as well as the line between persuasion and manipulation, and how it relates to the politics around us.
What tools are there that measurably increase the likelihood of persuading others? Are you willing to use them? Are we allowed to NOT to play “power game”? Do power and persuasion have to be “loud”?
This day will give you concrete tools, broaden your mind and challenge your current assumptions when it comes to Persuasion, Power, and Politics.
Based on the real-world challenge you have and the learnings from the past 3 days, you will develop a strategic power map to navigate your organization's political landscape effectively and get things done.
Dr. Martin Schweinsberg
Qiao Zhang
Dr. Urs Müller
Dr. Franziska Frank
The connections I made across industries and the inspiring discussions we shared throughout this training have been truly invaluable.
Beyond the concept and frameworks, the connections I made across industries and the inspiring discussions we shared throughout this training have been truly invaluable. A heartfelt thank you to the professors Martin Schweinsberg, Dr. Franziska Frank, and Urs Müller and organizers for providing such an exceptional platform for learning and growth.
I have repeatedly found that what I learned at ESMT proved useful at the workplace and beyond – in often unexpected ways.
ESMT has a unique ability to combine current scientific insights from psychology, social sciences, and economics with real-world business practice…I have repeatedly found that what I learned at ESMT proved useful at the workplace and beyond – in often unexpected ways.
Read more about Kai Becker's experiences with the Persuasion, Power, and Politics program.
I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to strengthen their influence while maintaining ethical standards.
Participating in the “Persuasion, Power, and Politics” course at ESMT Berlin was a transformative experience. It helped me uncover the true meaning of these concepts in a professional context and understand the subtle differences between persuasion and manipulation—how one can easily turn into the other. This deeper awareness has empowered me to navigate workplace dynamics with confidence and integrity. The practical persuasion toolkit provided during the program has become my go-to resource, not only in my professional life but also in personal interactions. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to strengthen their influence while maintaining ethical standards.
Earn Your Postgraduate Diploma
This program can be taken as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management curriculum.
Looking for more information, a consultation, or support with your application?
Contact our program advisor Morgan Flaherty.
- Book a consultation
- Phone: +49 30 21231 1490
- Email: bd@esmt.org
