Insights
Everything we’ve learned about influence, and a few things we’re still working out.
Think of this as the place where our facilitators empty their notebooks. You’ll find practical guides to the conversations you’ve been putting off, fresh thinking on why some people get heard and others don’t, and the occasional strong opinion. Some of it will help you tomorrow morning, and some of it might change how you see the people you work with. Dip in to our influence insights wherever you like.
Start here
Our guides on the challenges that come up most.
How to influence upwards
Why influencing senior leaders feels different, and how to change it.
How to handle conflict and difficult conversations
What’s really causing disagreements, and how to navigate them.
Browse by topic
Why nice isn’t the same as kind
Most workplaces reward nice and rely on kind. The people who get promoted for being easy to work with are often propped up by colleagues willing to have the conversations they won’t.
The real cause of most workplace conflict
Real influence often starts one layer below the words that are being said. It requires the confidence to name what you think might really be going on, and the humility to be wrong about it.
Stop trying to fix it
The objective here isn’t to be less useful but to be useful in a way that delivers the most positive outcome to a problem, strengthens those around you, and deepens trust and cooperation.
Why we’re worse listeners than we think
Just admitting that you’re finding it hard, showing that vulnerability, can help shift a conversation into territory you’d never reach otherwise.
The leadership confidence gap
Confidence isn’t a simple trait – it shifts depending on who you’re trying to influence, and why.
Using assertive language
Ever found yourself adding ‘maybe’ and ‘perhaps’? If that sounds like you, rest assured that you’re not alone. And that there is a better way.
5 minutes with a Director
That once brilliant idea comes out as a timid suggestion. The Director has switched off and is heading to their next meeting.
Not sure where to start?
Take our two-minute self-assessment to see which of these situations is your biggest gap, or get in touch to talk about a programme for your team.