Personal and Business Competencies / Personal Skills

Influencing skills and relationship building

Training that develops the ability to influence others' decisions and attitudes in an ethical and effective way. The program is based on Robert Cialdini's 6 principles of influence and combines them with practical techniques for building relationships, rapport, and networking. Participants will learn to use the language of benefits, persuasive communication, and influence without formal authority — key competencies in matrix, project-based, and cross-functional environments.

The ability to influence others’ decisions and attitudes — without relying on formal authority — is one of the most sought-after competencies in modern organizations. In matrix, project-based, and cross-functional structures, success depends on the ability to build relationships and persuade.

Influencing skills and relationship building is a one-day EITT training program, delivered on-site or online — depending on participants’ preferences. The program is designed for professionals with foundational communication experience — sessions combine theory with intensive practical exercises.

Why choose this training?

At EITT, we have trained over 2,500 groups, maintaining an average rating of 4.8/5. Our influencing skills training is built on solid scientific foundations — Cialdini’s 6 principles, the AIDA model, and the latest research in social psychology — translating them into practical tools for everyday use at work.

Topics covered include:

Robert Cialdini’s 6 principles of influence in business practice
Techniques for building rapport, trust, and long-term relationships
Persuasive communication and the language of benefits
Influence without formal authority — techniques for matrix structures
Strategic networking and building your contact network

What sets our approach apart?

The program combines the psychology of influence with the ethics of persuasion. Participants learn not only how to influence, but also where the boundaries lie between ethical persuasion and manipulation. Exercises based on real business scenarios allow participants to immediately apply their knowledge in practice — from stakeholder conversations to building coalitions within the organization.

Benefits

Practical knowledge of Cialdini's 6 principles of influence and their application
Ability to build rapport and trust in professional relationships
Persuasive communication techniques and using the language of benefits
Ability to influence decisions without having formal authority
Tools for stakeholder management and coalition building
Strategic networking and contact network development skills
Awareness of the ethical boundaries of persuasion and influence

Who is this training for?

Managers and team leaders looking to strengthen their ability to influence others

Specialists working in matrix and project-based structures

Professionals responsible for cross-functional collaboration

Sales professionals and consultants needing advanced persuasion techniques

Project managers leading teams without formal authority

Professionals building their professional network and developing networking skills

Employees preparing for leadership roles

Anyone who wants to persuade more effectively and build lasting professional relationships

Prerequisites

At least 2 years of professional experience
Basic knowledge of interpersonal communication
Willingness to participate in simulations and practical exercises

Training program

The reciprocity principle — mechanism and practical application
Commitment and consistency — building obligations
Social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity
Ethical boundaries of influence — manipulation vs. persuasion

Rapport-building techniques — matching, mirroring, active listening
Building trust through consistency and authenticity
Managing first impressions and credibility
Maintaining long-term relationships

The structure of persuasive messaging — the AIDA model and variants
Language of benefits vs. language of features — practical message transformation
Storytelling as an influence tool

Building expert status and informal authority
Influence techniques in matrix and project-based structures
Stakeholder management and coalition building
Dealing with resistance and objections

Networking strategy — from contact to relationship
Online and offline networking — tools and best practices
Building a personal brand that supports your ability to influence

Delivery Methods

Online

Convenience of participating from anywhere
Interactive live sessions with trainer
Materials available for 30 days
No travel costs

On-site

Direct contact with trainer and group
Intensive hands-on workshops
Networking with other participants
Full focus on learning

Training Topics

Frequently asked questions

What are the prerequisites for the 'Influencing skills and relationship building' training?

This is an intermediate-level training. We recommend at least 2 years of professional experience, basic knowledge of interpersonal communication, and willingness to participate in simulations and practical exercises.

What is the format and duration of this training?

The training lasts 1 day and is available in online and on-site format. Sessions run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The program combines lectures with intensive practical exercises, conversation simulations, and persuasion workshops.

Who is this training designed for?

This training is designed for managers, team leaders, specialists in matrix structures, sales professionals, project managers, and anyone who wants to influence decisions more effectively and build lasting professional relationships.