This course will help internal communication professionals learn how to become effective business partners and trusted advisors to the senior leaders they support within their business.

Delivered over two live sessions the course will include role plays, group discussions and a range of other interactive elements, allowing delegates the opportunity to support and learn from one another in between workshops.

Who should attend?

The workshop is aligned to the following professional areas of the Profession Map:

• Influencing and advising
• Strategy, planning and business acumen
• Understanding people and cultures

In addition, this course will support the following Profession Map behaviours: Trustworthy, Curious, Challenging, Listening, Empathy.

The course is most suited for those working around Level Two of the Profession Map, though it will also support those working around/towards Level Three. 

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, delegates will: 

• Understand the value they generate across the organisation when applying great communication business partnering (understanding our audiences)
• Have tools and a structure to apply to a business partnering approach
• Understand how to manage the focus and expectation of internal and external clients (using their soft skills, behaviours and EI)
• Feel more confident about partnering with their stakeholders in the business (Personal validation: I am following proven insight, best practice...and can be proud of my skills)

The course will cover

Part One (3rd February, 9:30 - 12:30) 

Part Two (10th February, 9:30 - 12:30)

• Introduction and context; the purpose of the workshop and how it connects with communication success factors
• Conversation supported by data to illustrate the shifting role of communications – from tactical to strategic
• Breakout conversations using a topical case study
• Discussion on what is really happening in your ‘world’. How do you get to understand their agenda?
• Discussion in breakouts about how you can get ahead of the curve. What hints and tips can others offer to ensure that you are one step ahead of your client.
• Outcomes vs. Output: what’s the difference and why outcomes add more strategic value.
• My Client Plan: Building a plan to ‘walk in the shoes’ of my client.
• Conversation to explore what makes a powerful conversation at work – draw from experience – what worked well, what didn’t?
• Introduction to the Listening Spectrum with an exercise of active listening
• Explore different approaches to asking powerful questions. Specifically, the concept of ‘High Gain’ questioning technique to draw insight.
• Techniques on how to manage difficult and challenging conversations including how to say no.
• Role Play: Activity in trios (acting as the client, the Business Partner and observer/coach) to role play powerful conversation with a client.

Additional benefits

  Additional benefits include:  

• Pre and post course access to Canvas, the IoIC's online learning environment, where you will find all course materials and be able to engage with their fellow participants through forum discussions
• Eight CPD Points for IoIC Members
• A network of like-minded professionals to connect with and learn from

• Places are strictly limited to ensure every participant gains the support and guidance they need, and to facilitate maximum opportunity for interaction, connection and engagement.

Please note that we use Zoom for our online courses. Please ensure that you are able to access this system where you are based before booking your place. All times are in GMT. 

Trainer

Louise Baverstock

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