What are the most critical skills you believe IT leaders need to develop in order to confidently push back on stakeholder demands, and how do you prioritize these in your training programs?

In addition to the other excellent advice here, being able to say "Yes, and."  "Yes, and what other tasks do you want me to delay?"  "Yes, and will you be able to fund the additional staff we will need?"  Yes, and when will you be able to inform the CIO of the changes in priorities?"

Pushing back effectively? It’s not about saying ‘no.’ It’s about building a better ‘yes.’ The top skill is deep business acumen. IT leaders need to speak the language of profit and strategy, not just tech specs. Then, masterful communication. You must articulate the true impact – both risks and rewards – in plain terms.

Next up is data-driven decision making. Show, don't just tell. Use metrics to back your arguments. Then, strategic vision. Don't just reject a bad idea; offer a superior, aligned solution. This transforms ‘pushback’ into ‘strategic partnership.’

Good understanding of security and how controls are implemented in the organization business processes.

A good relationship is the linchpin of effective communication. Without it, even truthful communication can falter. Stakeholders are more likely to trust transparency and communication from someone they have a positive relationship with.

Transparency, communication, and relationship building are vital. A strong relationship with stakeholders helps when you need to push back, as they understand you're not simply saying no but are unable to find a solution at the moment. Trust in communication is built on good relationships. 

In my role within the PMO, my stakeholders are primarily IT professionals. Building relationships involves personal engagement, such as asking about their lives or sharing good news. This human touch makes a significant difference. For example, when a colleague had a baby, I organized a gift collection to show support. These gestures of compassion and humanity strengthen relationships and create a supportive work environment.