Stakeholder Management & Influence for Project Leaders

Driving Alignment Without Authority

Many projects fail not because of execution issues, but due to poorly managed stakeholders. This course helps project managers confidently engage, influence, and manage stakeholders with competing priorities — without relying on formal authority.

Through practical frameworks, discussion, and role-play, participants build the skills needed to navigate politics, manage expectations, and communicate difficult messages effectively.

Course Details

Starting

February 15, 2026

2 Sessions per week

Where Live Online 4 Sessions

Fee AED 2,500

When Monday and Saturday 6-8 PM

Seats Small Group - 10 Seats Only

Paul Awkar

Paul Awkar is a certified project management professional and PMO leader with extensive experience leading complex initiatives across cross-functional teams and regulated environments. With an Executive MBA and multiple PMI certifications, Paul combines structured methodology with real-world judgment.

Throughout his career, he has helped organizations improve delivery performance, strengthen governance frameworks, and align projects with strategic business outcomes. His approach goes beyond theory — focusing on practical decision-making, stakeholder management, and modern project leadership.

In his sessions, Paul emphasizes clarity, confidence, and application. Participants can expect real scenarios, honest insights from the field, and frameworks that translate directly into everyday project environments.

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Participants learn how to identify stakeholders, map influence and interests, and understand decision-making dynamics. The session emphasizes anticipating resistance before it becomes a problem.

This session focuses on setting expectations clearly and early. Participants practice structuring messages, aligning priorities, and preventing scope creep through effective communication.

Participants learn techniques for influencing without authority and handling pushback professionally. The session includes real-world scenarios around resistance, escalation, and difficult conversations.

The final session focuses on building credibility and trust with senior stakeholders. Participants learn how to communicate confidently, manage politics ethically, and maintain strong relationships beyond individual projects.

Participants develop a Stakeholder Influence Map based on a real project with multiple stakeholders. Throughout the sessions, they identify power dynamics, map interests and risks, and design communication and influence strategies for key stakeholders. By the end of the course, participants have a practical tool for managing expectations, reducing friction, and navigating complex stakeholder environments.

Who's This For

Project and Program Managers
Leaders managing cross-functional initiatives who want stronger stakeholder alignment.

Product Managers
Professionals balancing business, technical, and user priorities who need clearer influence strategies.

Client-Facing Delivery Leaders
Managers responsible for client relationships who want to handle expectations confidently.

Consultants and PMO Professionals
Advisors and governance leads seeking structured approaches to stakeholder management.

By the end of the seminar, you will

Identify influence levels, interests, and engagement strategies for key stakeholders.
Balance demands across sponsors, teams, and clients without losing project focus.
Deliver bad news, trade-offs, and constraints with clarity and professionalism.
Address disagreements early, maintain productive working relationships and operate confidently within complex environments while maintaining integrity.
Strengthen trust through transparency, consistency, and strategic communication.
Navigating organizational politics ethically

Registration Includes

Live interactive sessions led by industry experts

Ask questions, collaborate, network and engage with others

Lifetime access to a community of wise learners and professionals

Certificate of completion

Lifetime access to recorded sessions & course resources

Testimonials

"Excellent"

John Doe Master

"Excellent2"

John Doe Master

"Excellent3"

John Doe Master

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course only for senior managers?

No. It’s designed for any professional who manages stakeholders, clients, or cross-functional teams.

Will we cover real-life stakeholder scenarios?

Yes. The seminar includes practical cases and exercises based on real project environments.

Does the course address difficult stakeholders and conflict?

Absolutely. You’ll learn structured approaches to handling resistance, tension, and competing interests.

Can these techniques be applied outside project management?

Yes. The influence and communication frameworks are applicable across leadership and operational roles.

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