Guiding change without pushing
Accenture is a global consulting firm with 2,400 employees in the Netherlands. Its consultants work on transformation projects across a wide range of industries. Their professionals are highly educated and selective about their development. They only invest time in training that delivers real value. The challenge was clear: consultants needed to inspire clients to change, not persuade them through expertise alone.
That requires more than technical knowledge. It requires the ability to understand how your behaviour affects others—especially clients you’ve never worked with before.
Learning alongside professionals from other industries
Accenture deliberately chose The Influence Company’s Open Training Programme, where participants learn and practise with professionals from different organisations and industries. Why? Because that’s exactly the environment consultants work in every day: influencing people who don’t know them or their organisation.
The programme is intensive—either five consecutive training days or two three-day modules. There are no long lectures or endless theory sessions. Participants learn by observing, reflecting, receiving feedback, and practising in realistic business situations.
“Our consultants work with a wide variety of clients and in many different environments. It’s essential that they can influence effectively and inspire clients without making change feel imposed.” (Floor Aardema, L&D Advisor Accenture)
Participants become ambassadors
The programme continues to grow—without any internal promotion. Consultants who complete the training recommend it to their colleagues, creating a steady flow of new participants through word of mouth. The training is demanding, but the results are immediate. Participants leave with practical skills they apply in client conversations from day one.
“One day of training is more intensive than a day at the office. But participants leave with a wealth of valuable new skills.” (Floor Aardema, L&D Advisor Accenture)
Proven impact
The strongest proof of success? No active recruitment is needed. Consultants who complete the programme consistently recommend it to their colleagues.
“Don’t expect a five-day holiday. It’s hard work—but the value you get from the programme is enormous.” (Floor Aardema, L&D Advisor Accenture)