In today’s complex business environment, strategic thinking and influential communication are no longer optional skills for leaders – they’re essential competencies that separate high-performing organizations from the rest. This comprehensive course equips managers and senior leaders with the tools, frameworks, and practical skills to think strategically, communicate effectively, and drive measurable business results.
This intensive, hands-on workshop combines proven strategic frameworks with real-world application, enabling participants to develop both the mindset and skillset needed for strategic leadership. Through a mix of theoretical understanding and practical exercises, leaders learn to navigate complex business challenges while influencing both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
At Progress Training, we ensure every session is tailored to your organization’s specific context and challenges. Our facilitators bring extensive experience in strategic leadership and communication, ensuring learning is immediately applicable to your business environment.
Key Learning Features
• Master strategic thinking frameworks including PESTEL, SWOT, and KANO analysis
• Develop advanced communication skills for different stakeholder groups
• Learn to implement the PDCA cycle for continuous improvement
• Practice influential communication techniques through role-play
• Master the art of strategic feedback and performance management
• Work with practical tools like the Balanced Scorecard and strategy mapping
• Engage in interactive exercises and real-world case studies
This course is ideal for:
• Senior managers and executives responsible for strategic planning
• Department heads who need to influence across organizational boundaries
• Leaders managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Professionals seeking to enhance their strategic influence
• Anyone responsible for driving organizational change and improvement
By the end of this course, you’ll:
• Think and plan strategically using proven frameworks and methodologies
• Communicate with greater impact across different audience types
• Understand and apply various communication styles effectively
• Master body language and voice tonality for maximum influence
• Deliver constructive feedback professionally and effectively
• Implement strategic performance measurement systems
• Convert high-level objectives into quantified goals and targets
• Navigate complex stakeholder relationships with confidence
Course Content Overview
1. Strategic Mindset and Strategic Thinking
- Applying the PDCA cycle for continuous improvement
- SWOT, PESTEL, and KANO: analysing trends and customer expectations
- Customer typologies: Loyalists, Pragmatists, Hostages, Activists
- Expressed, implied, and latent needs
- Strategy mapping and balanced scorecard
- Setting performance goals using DuPont analysis
- Personal case study and strategic presentation
2. Influencing Through Effective Professional Communication
- Identifying your communication style
- Verbal and non-verbal communication: tone, body language, and presence
- Understanding noise, feedback, and the communication loop
- Communication barriers and how to overcome them (with video analysis)
- Diversity and communication in global workforces
- Managing difficult conversations and high-stress scenarios
- Writing with impact
3. Understanding Your Audience and Influencing with Impact
- Perceptions, paradigms, and reading your audience (with video)
- Johari Window workshop for self-awareness and transparency
- The four communication styles: Driver, Analytic, Expressive, Amiable
- Role-playing assertiveness and interpersonal influence
- Using PAC (Parent, Adult, Child) to strengthen professional relationships
- Mastering rapport, mirroring, and influence techniques
- Feedback techniques: the feedback sandwich and constructive challenge
4. Strategic Performance and Business Planning
- Converting strategy into action through performance indicators
- Aligning personal and team goals with organisational strategy
- Using the balanced scorecard to track progress and priorities
- Live case study: executive strategy review and alignment
Our Delivery Promise
Small group sizes and expert facilitation ensure every participant receives individual attention and practical experience. All examples and exercises are drawn from real business scenarios, ensuring immediate relevance and application.
Duration: 3 days face to face
Delivered: London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Barcelona or on site
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation:
Course participants can showcase their expertise with our industry-recognized certificates, complete with shareable LinkedIn digital badges and verified CPD points – demonstrating their commitment to professional excellence.