This programme explores the secrets - and science - of influence and persuasion and breaks them down into twelve learnable tactics people can master to turbo-charge their communication & influencing skills and potentially, their career. These tactics are clustered into four themes: persuading, relating, connecting and navigating.

Participants will first understand their influencing ability with our unique diagnostic of their influencing style – strengths and weaknesses. From there they are introduced to our Twelve Tactics of Influence. Influencing skills training is brought to life with practical exercises designed to help participants develop and master each tactic. They will learn techniques to enhance their leadership presence, attune their interpersonal skills, build efficient networks and powerful coalitions, craft persuasive arguments and stories, have difficult conversations, build high-performing teams and embrace their authenticity.

Complete diagnostic of participant’s influence & persuasion ability
Unique set of practical ‘Influence Canvas’ tools
12-month email and phone support
Tailorable programme content.

As with all our programmes and workshops, a thorough consultation process enables the exact content to be co-designed in collaboration with your learning strategy and tailored to meet the participant’s unique learning needs.

What our Clients Say

Dozens of programmes delivered across New Zealand and Australia…A transformational experience for participants - for some, life-changing…The difference between The Pickering Group and a typical supplier is that they have an ability to really understand a company – it’s purpose, values, culture, and current environment – at a deeper level than most. They get it. They adapt. They make an enormous difference.”

Victoria Goulden Learning and Design Manager Pernod Ricard Australasia

“When I needed Presentation Skills and Storytelling training for 60+ of our regional sales manager - delivered in just one impactful day - Russell and The Pickering Group totally nailed it!!”

Annaliese Atina General Manager Field Sales & NCC Coca-Cola Amatil NZ

“The ‘Leading with Stories’ programme empowered our senior leaders to continue telling the stories of our transformation – to lift our strategy out of the spreadsheets and PowerPoints and into the hearts of our people.”

Wayne McNee Chief Executive. Livestock Improvement Corporation

“Russell Pickering is STELLAR at his craft, absolutely the best in New Zealand. He exemplifies presence and connection. My clients rate him as a top notch presenter and executive coach. If you need to ramp up your impact as a leader, Russell is the man to call.”

Harold Hillman, Ph.D. Managing Director, Sigmoid Curve Consulting Group

"Hugely popular courses – with immediate, tangible results. Well over a hundred of our people are now more impactful, confident speakers because of The Pickering Group’s programmes"

Kerry Dewar Leadership & Capability Manager Mercury

"The ability to communicate your ideas with clarity, to inspire your audience to action, to share stories that bring your business strategy to life – these are all essential qualities for leaders in the modern business world. Nobody helps you do that better than Russell and his team at The Pickering Group.”

Joanna Simon Chief Operating Officer DLA Piper

“When we were looking to embed the crucial leadership capability of storytelling across the Agency, The Pickering Group provided a tailored programme that was engaging, practical and fun – but most importantly – that worked. Our people come away from the programme absolutely buzzing and eager to utilise their new-found storytelling skills.”

Trent Maulder Senior Organisation Development Consultant NZ Transport Agency

“Russell takes you out of your comfort zone and into a growth zone related to the art of presenting and personal persuasion. He is masterful at his craft; a true sensei in every regard. Step Into the Spotlight is an incredible gift of wisdom, insights and practical ways to influence others with maximum impact.”

Harold Hillman Ph. D, leadership coach Author of The Impostor Syndrome and EM-PA-THY