Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants (AS-043) Training Course

Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants

Assistants negotiate and influence constantly, often without formal authority. They secure meeting times with busy executives, agree terms with hotels and suppliers…

5 daysClassroom or online

49Upcoming dates

12Cities

£2,250Fees from

Course overview

Introduction

Assistants negotiate and influence constantly, often without formal authority. They secure meeting times with busy executives, agree terms with hotels and suppliers, balance requests from several managers, protect their manager's time and persuade colleagues to meet deadlines. Doing this well requires confidence, preparation and strong interpersonal skills.

This Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants training course gives participants practical techniques for reaching good agreements and gaining cooperation. They learn how to prepare for a negotiation, understand the other side's interests, use persuasive language, handle objections and resistance, and stay assertive while maintaining good relationships.

Through realistic practice, participants build the confidence to speak up, say no constructively and influence decisions at every level of the organisation.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

Explain the principles of collaborative negotiation and influence
Prepare for negotiations with clear goals, limits and alternatives
Understand the interests and motivations of different stakeholders
Use persuasive and assertive language with confidence
Handle objections, pressure and difficult tactics calmly
Negotiate effectively with suppliers, venues and service providers
Influence senior managers and colleagues without formal authority
Say no constructively and protect priorities

Target Audience

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including:

Executive and personal assistants
Office managers and team assistants
Secretaries and administrative coordinators
Event and travel coordinators
Business support professionals
Assistants supporting several managers

Training Methodology

The course is built around practice. Participants take part in a series of negotiation and influencing role plays based on typical assistant situations, receive feedback from the trainer and peers, and analyse what worked. Short inputs on technique and self-assessment exercises support each practice round.

Target Competencies

Negotiation preparation
Stakeholder understanding
Persuasive communication
Assertiveness
Objection handling
Relationship-building influence

Course outline

1Day One: Foundations of Negotiation and Influence

Where assistants negotiate and influence in everyday work
Positional bargaining versus interest-based negotiation
Sources of influence when you have no formal authority
Personal styles of handling conflict and negotiation
Building credibility and trust as an assistant
The link between assertiveness and successful influence
Self-assessment of negotiation and influencing strengths

2Day Two: Preparing to Negotiate

Setting objectives, ideal outcomes and walk-away limits
Identifying your best alternative to a negotiated agreement
Researching the other party's needs and constraints
Planning concessions and the trades you can offer
Choosing the right time, place and channel for negotiation
Preparing questions and anticipating objections
Exercise: preparing to negotiate with a conference venue

3Day Three: Persuasive Communication Skills

Active listening and asking questions that uncover interests
Framing requests in terms of the other person's benefits
Using evidence, logic and stories to persuade
Confident body language and voice in conversations
Influencing by email and written communication
Building rapport with people of different styles
Role play: persuading a colleague to meet a deadline

4Day Four: Handling Resistance and Difficult Situations

Responding calmly to objections and pushback
Recognising and countering pressure tactics
Saying no constructively while offering alternatives
Managing conflicting requests from several managers
Dealing with emotional or aggressive counterparts
Recovering when a negotiation reaches deadlock
Role play: negotiating with a demanding supplier

5Day Five: Influencing Upwards and Closing Agreements

Influencing senior executives with concise, well-timed proposals
Protecting your manager's time and priorities diplomatically
Building alliances and networks across the organisation
Summarising, confirming and recording agreements
Following up and maintaining long-term relationships
Reflecting on and learning from each negotiation
Personal action plan for negotiation and influence

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants course?

The next public date is 7 - 11 Dec 2026 in Frankfurt. There are 49 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in Frankfurt, London, Barcelona, Geneva, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, Munich, Rome, Vienna, Cape Town, Dubai.

Can I take Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,250 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Negotiation and Influencing Skills for Assistants

Course overview

Introduction

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Training Methodology

Target Competencies

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

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