In order to help organizations manage the rapid changes inevitable in today’s business environment, project managers and business analysts have to influence other stakeholders, regardless of their position in the organization. What makes this ability to influence without authority seem so easy for some and nearly impossible for others? Some follow the three steps which comprise the Influencing Formula.

In this presentation you will be shown how the Influencing Formula works and the three steps required to effectively influence without authority.

Specifically this presentation describes:

• The distinction between influence, persuasion, and manipulation
• The relationship between authority and power
• What the Influencing Formula is and why it is needed to effectively influence
• Tips for building and maintaining trust
• How to be the trusted advisor to business owners and sponsors to help them manage change
• The role of courage in effective influencing.

Elizabeth Larson is CEO and Co-Principal of Watermark Learning with over 30 years of experience in project management, business analysis, and influencing skills. Elizabeth has presented workshops, seminars, and training classes since 1996 to thousands of participants on 5 different continents.

Elizabeth co-authored three books: Practitioners’ Guide to Requirements Management, The Influencing Formula, and the CBAP Certification Study Guide. She also contributed chapters to two three compilations, Creating a Clear Project Plan, compiled by Dr., Gary Richardson, Projects Without Borders: Gathering Requirements on a Multi-Cultural Project, published by Icfai University Press, and Keys to Our Success: Lessons Learned from 25 of our Best PMs, compiled by David Barrett and Derek Vigar. In addition, Elizabeth has been cited in CIO and PM Network and regularly contribute articles to projectmanagement.com, Ruminations on Requirements Management, BA times, Project Times, and Modern Analyst. Elizabeth was a lead author on the PMBOK® Guide – Fourth ed., content lead for Project Scope Management Fifth Ed., a lead author on the PMI BA Practice Guide, a lead author for the BABOK® Guide 2.0, and an expert reviewer for 3.0.