Influencing People Without Authority

Getting things done without a title to back you up

Most influence at work doesn't come from a job title — it comes from trust, timing, and how you communicate. This University of Michigan specialization is built around exactly that gap: how to move people and projects forward when you can't simply direct anyone to do it.

Skills you'll build

• Persuasive communication and rapport building
• Reading organizational structure to find where influence actually flows
• Public speaking and professional networking as influence tools
• Tact and trustworthiness as long-term credibility builders

It's a beginner-level specialization, so no formal leadership background is assumed — it's aimed at anyone who works cross-functionally, manages up, or leads projects without direct reports. It's still early days for enrollment, with 677 learners so far, which makes it a good pick if you want a less crowded, still-substantive path into leadership skills.