Any phase · Craft
Influence without authority, including senior leaders
PMs rarely manage the people they work with. You get things done by building trust, using evidence and understanding what others care about.
About 1-2 daysEvergreenLast reviewed 5 November 2026
Who this applies to
- Skills it builds
- Communication and influenceLeadership and coaching
- PM types
- All
- Product types
- All
- Starting points
- All
- Ways of working
- All
- Experience
- All
- Size of organisation
- All
Steps, by experience
Beginner (under 1 year)
- Learn what each key person cares about and how they are measured.
- Build trust by doing what you say and sharing credit.
- Bring evidence, not just opinions.
- Talk to people one to one before big meetings.
- When you disagree, say so early and calmly, with a proposal.
- Ask for feedback on how you come across.
Intermediate (1 to 4 years)
- Map stakeholders' goals and concerns.
- Pre-wire important decisions.
- Disagree and commit when needed.
Experienced (5+ years)
- Frame proposals in terms of leaders' goals.
- Escalate with options and a recommendation.
- Build a network across the organisation before you need it.
Who can do this
Owner: Product manager
Reviewed by: Delivery Manager
Tool examples
- Notion
- Keep notes on each stakeholder's goals and concerns.
- Claude
- Describe a tough conversation and ask it to role-play the other person so you can practise.
Definition of done
- Key stakeholders' goals understood
- Pre-meetings held before major decisions
- Feedback sought on your approach
Common pitfalls
- Relying on the strength of your argument alone
- Surprising people in meetings
- Avoiding disagreement