Influencing People, Handling Conflict and Being Assertive

Communicating to best effect

Influencing people is a vital leadership skill, whether you are communicating with other people individually or as a group. An ability to get your views across clearly, in a way that brings the desired result, is a defining characteristic of a successful leader. Closely linked with an ability to influence people positively is the skill to resolve or manage conflicts. Conflict can happen in many situations: when priorities are being planned, when work is delegated and during times of change, uncertainty or stress.

This toolkit provides practical techniques to help you develop your influence as well as preventing and handling conflict.

Length: 18 pages

Contents

The Benefits

Key Concept: the Leadership Spectrum

Action Checklist: Influencing People and Handling Conflict

• Prevent conflict
• Resolve conflict
• Manage reactions and handle disagreements 
• Communicate
• Influence groups
• Delegate work
• Be a trusted communicator
• Handle conflict
• Empower people

Best Practice: Developing Influencing Skills

Avoiding Problems – this includes avoiding potential pitfalls by influencing individuals and preventing and resolving conflict.

Dos and Don’ts

Key Questions

Things You Can Do

• Be clear and focused on what you want to achieve
• Understand present realities
• Understand your leadership style
• Lead from the front, by example
• Build trust and support
• Consider how best to challenge and develop leaders
• Allow leaders a greater degree of latitude

Further Action

Further Information

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