Former Edward J. Frey Dean, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
7 Learning Experiences
Influencing People without Authority
What You'll Learn
- Apply influence strategies to persuade peers, leaders, and stakeholders.
- Give and receive effective feedback to improve performance and relationships.
- Communicate ideas clearly using storytelling, data, and presentation skills.
- Build strong professional relationships to increase trust and credibility.
3-Course Series
36 hours
12 hours per course (approx.)
About Influencing People without Authority
Influence is a critical skill in today’s workplace, especially when you don’t have formal authority. In "Influencing People without Authority," you’ll build practical skills to communicate effectively, give and receive feedback, and persuade others with confidence.
Through this course series, you’ll learn how to build relationships that strengthen your influence, apply persuasive communication techniques, and use feedback as a tool for growth. You’ll explore how to present ideas with clarity and impact, combine data with storytelling, and develop strategies to influence peers, managers, and stakeholders.
Each course in the series is designed for real-world application. You can use these skills right away—whether you're collaborating with peers, presenting ideas, or working to influence decisions without formal authority. You’ll engage with lectures, assessments, and guided activities that help you apply concepts to real workplace scenarios.
Skills You'll Gain
- Develop Networks
- Communication Strategies
- Social Skills
- Constructive Feedback
- Advanced Negotiation
- Business Networking
- Negotiation
- Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Negotiation Strategies
- Public Speaking Preparation
- Decision Making
- Business Negotiation
Jack D Sparks-Whirlpool Corporation Research Professor of Business Administration and Professor of Management and Organizations, Stephen M Ross School of Business
7 Learning Experiences
Director of Artificial Intelligence Initiatives
16 Learning Experiences
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
3 Courses in this series
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Free U-M Access CourseInfluencing People
Develop skills to build influence without authority by using effective power dynamics, relationship strategies, and ethical persuasion techniques.
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Free U-M Access CourseFeedback Loops: Feedback Fundamentals
Build strong feedback skills to enhance personal growth and improve your relationships at work and beyond.
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Free U-M Access CourseSpeaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion
Learn to combine data, expertise, and vision to deliver compelling, persuasive pitches that resonate with your audience.
