Course in Influence and Trust-Building Skills Among Managers and Employees

Communication in the workplace is more than just the transfer of information. It is a strategic tool for building strong professional relationships and enhancing harmony between departments and diverse teams. The course “ Influence and Trust-Building Skills Among Managers and Employees ,” delivered by Geneva Institute of Business Administration, focuses on the essential skills and tools every professional needs to improve expression, listening, and constructive interaction.
This course highlights how to strengthen upward and downward communication in a way that maintains professionalism and fosters clarity and mutual understanding—without falling into conflict or misaligned expectations.

Target Audience

• Mid-level and senior employees seeking to enhance internal interaction.

• Professionals working in cross-functional teams requiring effective communication skills.

• HR and organizational development officers.

• New employees aiming to understand workplace dynamics and communicate effectively.

Objectives

• Equip participants with the tools to strengthen communication across all managerial levels.

• Clarify communication style differences between managers and employees, and how to handle them.

• Promote a workplace culture built on mutual understanding and professional respect.

• Enable participants to overcome communication barriers in a clear and effective manner.

Course Outline

Fundamentals of Professional Communication

• The difference between formal and informal interaction in the workplace.

• Principles of clear language and its impact on shared understanding.

• Defining professional messages precisely without overcomplication.

• The importance of timing and context in delivering managerial messages.

 Reading Nonverbal Cues in Daily Communication

• Analyzing facial expressions and body language in professional settings.

• Understanding silence as a communication tool in formal contexts.

• Using eye contact thoughtfully and respectfully.

• Recognizing physical signals that enhance or hinder the message.

 Effective Communication with Managers

• Understanding managers’ expectations regarding style and substance.

• Conveying ideas and suggestions without bypassing the hierarchy.

• Respecting the manager’s time while preserving message essence.

• How to professionally request support or guidance.

Strengthening Upward Communication

• Speaking with confidence without confrontation or direct criticism.

• Presenting problems with proposed solutions in a positive tone.

• The importance of preparation before approaching management.

• Gaining respect through clarity and message consistency.

Improving Peer-to-Peer Communication

• Building work relationships based on mutual respect.

• Avoiding tension through carefully chosen, neutral language.

• Supporting colleagues through cooperative communication.

• Managing functional differences with linguistic and behavioral flexibility.

Dealing with Different Personality Types in the Workplace

• Identifying communication styles suitable for each personality type.

• Adjusting tone and body language according to the situation and person.

• Accepting viewpoints without excessive defensiveness.

• Building mutual understanding despite stylistic differences.

 Professional Writing Tools and Clear Written Communication

• Drafting administrative messages concisely and professionally.

• Using email effectively without information overload.

• Structuring written content visually for easier comprehension.

• Avoiding vague or ambiguous expressions.

 Managing Meetings with Effective Communication

• Preparing ahead to identify key messages.

• Using language that promotes harmony, not conflict.

• Ensuring fair participation opportunities.

• Concluding meetings with clear takeaways and specific assignments.

Building Mutual Understanding in Multi-Level Environments

• Establishing a dialogue-based culture instead of top-down instruction.

• The employee’s role in supporting managerial goals through deep understanding.

• Encouraging transparency in message exchange between parties.

• Creating a feedback-friendly environment without sensitivity.

 Overcoming Psychological and Linguistic Barriers in Communication

• Breaking down fear- or ambiguity-based communication blocks.

• Managing stress when speaking to managers or peers.

• Distinguishing between conflict and misunderstanding—and handling both.

• Using bridge language instead of barrier language in daily conversations.