Full course description
Date: 17 & 18 June 2026
Modality: In-person
Duration: Two consecutive days, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Price: $2,409 (inc. GST). If you are eligible for the UoA Staff or Auckland Council Member discount, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the ability to build trust-based, sustainable relationships is essential for success - whether with clients, colleagues, or strategic partners. This interactive two-day course equips professionals with the mindset, skillset and toolset to master the art and science of stakeholder engagement, building confidence to engage in robust interactions and champion mutually beneficial outcomes.
Through practical communication frameworks, guided reflection and immersive activities, you will enhance your ability to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and communicate with clarity and confidence. You'll also acquire the tools to better understand your stakeholders, explore how to manage competing interests and navigate complex relationships.
More than just a professional skill set, the skills you gain will serve you in all areas of life, enabling you to elevate your influence, foster collaboration and create lasting impact in any setting.
Short course structure and topics covered:
Day One
- The importance of mindset
- Stakeholder mapping - understanding your stakeholders needs and interests
- Setting the tone
- Building trust as a foundation for effective stakeholder relationships
- Listening and questioning
Day Two
- Communication styles and ways to relate
- Principles of influence
- Framing
- Conversation planning
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify and analyse key stakeholders using practical mapping tools to understand interests, influence, and engagement strategies.
- Communicate with clarity and confidence across a range of stakeholder styles and situations, using active listening, tailored messaging, and assertive expression.
- Build trust-based relationships that foster credibility, collaboration, and long-term value - both internally and externally.
- Champion mutually beneficial outcomes that balance organisational priorities with stakeholder needs.
- Apply practical frameworks to real-world scenarios to reinforce learning and encourage immediate application.
Your organisation will benefit from:
- Enhanced stakeholder alignment and support
- Improved collaboration and cross-functional efficiency
- Reduction in conflict and communication breakdown
- Stronger external relationships
- Empowered, proactive employees.
Who should attend? / any entry requirements?
This course is ideal for professionals who regularly interact with diverse stakeholders and want to strengthen their influence, communication, and relationship-building skills. Specifically, it’s intended for:
- Mid-level professionals who lead projects, manage relationships, or influence decisions without formal authority.
- Project and programme managers responsible for aligning cross-functional teams and securing stakeholder buy-in.
- Team leaders and emerging leaders who want to build trust, credibility, and leadership presence.
- Client-facing roles such as account managers, business development professionals, and consultants.
- Internal change agents involved in transformation, innovation, or strategic initiatives.
- Anyone seeking to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with greater confidence and clarity.
If you would like to inquire about this course being run inhouse, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz
Payment for short courses is normally by credit card. If you need to pay by invoice or require assistance, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz. Please note that the University does not issue individual invoices for amounts less than $500 New Zealand dollars.