Author: Alessandro Perez, PMP, ACP
In project management, influence is rarely something we plan consciously. Yet it is present in almost every interaction.
Whether it is aligning stakeholders with different priorities, negotiating timelines under pressure, or supporting teams in uncertain conditions, project professionals rely on influence far more often than on formal authority. Despite this, it is a skill that is often developed informally, shaped by experience rather than by a structured understanding of what makes it effective.
This raises a simple but important question: what would change if influence were approached more intentionally?
From theory to practice: an interactive session
On June 22nd in Zurich, at iSolutions in The Circle (Zurich Airport), members of the local project management community will come together for an interactive evening session dedicated to this topic: “Influence in Action: Applying Cialdini’s Principles in Real Work Contexts”
The session is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It builds on Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Influence, a well-established framework for understanding how and why people respond to certain behaviours and communication styles. However, the focus of the evening goes beyond theory. After a short introduction, participants will be actively involved, working on real situations drawn from their own professional context.
Working on real situations
Through small group discussions and guided exchanges, participants will have the opportunity to analyse concrete challenges, explore different perspectives, and reflect on how to apply the principles of influence more deliberately in their day-to-day work.
The value of this approach also lies in peer exchange. Professionals operating in different environments often face similar challenges, and learning from each other helps generate practical insights that go beyond individual experience.
The session will be led by Christine Petersen, PMP, Founder and Director of VIRAK. With over 35 years of multinational experience, including leading large-scale international projects, Christine brings together strong technical expertise and a deep understanding of the human side of change.
Her background as a trainer, coach, and consultant, combined with her experience working across cultures and languages, allows her to create learning environments that are engaging, structured, and adaptable to participants’ needs.
Beyond the session: the value of community
As always, the evening will continue with a networking apéro, offering participants the opportunity to continue the conversation in a more informal setting and to strengthen connections within the PMI Switzerland community.
For project professionals who want to develop their ability to influence more effectively in real-world situations, this session offers a valuable opportunity to step back, reflect, and gain perspectives that can be applied immediately in practice.
More details about the event, including registration information, are available here:
https://pmi-switzerland.ch/events/events-list/pmi-evening-event/2026-06-22-event-influence-zurich