Overview
Develop a strategic approach to business partnerships and create a fundamental shift in thinking about your impact, legacy, and value. Grounded in key business partnership concepts, this programme helps you foster trust, loyalty, and influence while aligning relationship-building efforts with broader organisational objectives.
This course covers stakeholder conversations, persuasion techniques, coaching, and balancing inquiry with advocacy. A key element is real-time coaching feedback on personal style, strengths, and areas for improvement within a supportive small-group environment. By the end of the programme, you will have actionable strategies to elevate your impact, strengthen critical internal and external partnerships, and create meaningful value for your organisation.
Objectives
By the end of the training course, you will:
- Have a deeper insight into your current strengths and weaknesses when building trust-based relationships
- Be able to apply new approaches and tools for building relationships quickly
- Have developed advanced skills to strengthen your role as a long-term trusted advisor, coach, and guide in both internal and external relationships
- Know how to create actions to address relationship challenges and opportunities at an individual, team and organisational level
- Have devised a future personal development plan to heighten your impact when building relationships
Programme Overview
Business Partnerships
Strong business partnerships do more than just meet operational commitments, they create lasting value and drive mutual success. This section of the course explores the essential elements of effective partnerships, focusing on how strengthening relationships can enhance business outcomes beyond simply fulfilling operational obligations. Topics include:
- Understanding the fundamentals of effective business partnerships
- Considering what value we bring to our business partnerships
- Gathering and applying feedback from business partners
Managing the Conversation
Conversations are the foundation of successful business relationships. The way we communicate shapes how others perceive our role and the value we provide. This session focuses on improving conversational impact to build credibility and enhance collaboration. Topics include:
- Conversations that influence relationships
- Adding value through focus and attention
Increasing the Challenge - Inquiry and Advocacy
Effective relationship-building requires the right balance of authority, presence, and impact. Using the Heron Styles of Intervention, you will learn how to establish trust, drive meaningful change, and adapt your approach for different partnership dynamics. Topics include:
- Levels of engagement and influence
- Establishing credibility: Why should anyone listen to you?
- Building rapport and increasing challenge through coaching techniques
Relationship Improvement Planning
The programme concludes with a structured coaching session focused on self-reflection and action planning. You will develop personalised strategies to enhance your business relationships and apply key learning points in your daily interactions. Topics include:
- Self-assessment of partnership approach and communication style
- Participating in live 1:1 inquiry conversations
- Creating an action plan for ongoing development
This course is designed to provide practical tools and insights that lead to lasting behavioural change. You will leave with a clear strategy for strengthening your business relationships and a peer network for continued support.
Format
2 x 1 day workshops. The second day focuses on group coaching sessions structured around personal challenges.
In-House Course Information
This course is available for in-house delivery at a cost of £3,435+VAT for members, reflecting their learning discount. Please contact us for more information about non-member pricing.
The only additional cost is facilitator expenses, such as travel, where applicable. The course can be delivered in person for up to 12 delegates or virtually for up to 9 delegates.
To learn more or discuss your specific requirements, please get in touch with us.