Communication Planning and Influence
L6M1 learning outcome 2: understand and apply communication planning techniques and analyse their influence on people involved in the supply chain.
How to study for CIPS Level 6
Complete the four mandatory constructed-response modules, choose three objective-response electives and prepare L6M4 last against its current pre-released theme.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Influencing styles connect vision and supply-chain strategy to stakeholders inside and outside formal teams.
Exam cue: Map stakeholder readiness and influence before choosing the communication approach.
Concept 2
Follower readiness, objectives, KPIs, coaching, mentoring and emotional intelligence shape leadership impact.
Exam cue: Design feedback and measurement into the communication plan.
Concept 3
Stakeholder analysis identifies primary, secondary and key parties, interests, influence and support needs.
Concept 4
A communication plan defines audience, objective, message, channel, timing, owner, feedback and measure.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Broadcasting the same message to stakeholders with different interests and readiness.
Guardrail: Do not rely on a familiar model by recognition alone; test context, assumptions, evidence and implementation consequences.
Treating communication as complete when a message has been sent.
Guardrail: Do not rely on a familiar model by recognition alone; test context, assumptions, evidence and implementation consequences.
Memory anchors
Influence fit
Vision, stakeholder, readiness, style and evidence.
Development pair
Coaching improves performance; mentoring supports broader growth.
Stakeholder map
Interest, influence, attitude and required support.
Communication plan
Audience, objective, message, channel, timing, owner and feedback.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
A sourcing transformation affects finance, operations and suppliers differently. What should precede the communication plan?
Which element makes a communication objective measurable?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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