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Leading Through Influence

This is a University leadership programme designed for colleagues who lead and influence others within the University and/ or externally without direct line management responsibility. The programme consists of a number of modules, spread over several months, three one-hour Action Learning Sets, and some independent work

Getting things done at work requires planning, collaborating and problem solving. This programme will equip you with the ability to effectively draw on good relationships which is essential when you rely on others to contribute to your task completion.
This programme shares best practice in:
• Managing yourself
• Working with others
• Noticing the evolution of the wider context and how this affects your approach.

Applications for Leading Through Influence 2025 are now closed, but will be reopened in 2026 when the next programme will be run.

 

The course is organised into four modules delivered in person, spread over several months with three Action Learning Sets, delivered online.

 

Module 1

Explore what it means to lead through influence within the context of the 3Rs; and build self-awareness around who you are as leaders, and the leadership role you can play

 

Module 2 

Explore the first of the 3Rs: Resourceful – Create and Stabilise.

Learn how to let go of assumptions to create a new perspective, data-driven decision-making and influential communication

 

Module 3 

The Second of the 3Rs: Responsible – Nurture and Rationalise.

Learn how to provide feedback and coaching, leading through conflict and influencing through logical reasoning

 

Module 4

The third of the 3Rs: Respectful – Global perspective and local Focus.

Learn how to build trust, impact and collaboration. This module will also provide an overall learning summary and tie back to how you can take action.

 

Please make sure you are able to attend all sessions which will be outlined below when applications for 2026 open, prior to applying for a place on this programme and hold the dates in your diary before you receive the outcome of your application.

As part of your application, you and your line manager will each need to prepare a supporting statement.

 

Your Statement – 

This should be a short statement of no more than 300 words covering:  

  • What skills and knowledge you hope to gain by attending the programme.
  • Your leadership aspirations for the future and how you believe the content of this programme will help you to achieve them, making reference to the programme content in your response.
  • How you will apply your learning from the programme.

Your Line Manager's Statement –  

This should also be a short statement of no more than 300 words covering:  

  • The applicant’s level of commitment to taking part in the programme.
  • How the applicant will benefit from the programme.
  • How the programme aligns with their strengths and development needs.
  • How you will support the applicant during the programme and with applying the leadership skills that they are developing when back at work.

 

Please join our Viva Engage (Yammer) group to keep up to date with the latest announcements: People Development.