In HPMOR there is the notion of Malfoy's "negotiation tutors". Are there good classes or private lessons irl that are analogous to that (either online or in-person post covid)?
I'm a shyish programmer thinking about going into a managerial role. Wanted to get a leg-up by training myself to be more social and better at negotiation. I read Cialdini's Influences but theory is no replacement for practice. I'm not sure where to find such classes since a lot of classes online seems scammy/low-quality.
The best classes for overcoming shyness and becoming more social are called "improv comedy classes". Unfortunately, improvisational comedy works best in-person. What can you do during this pandemic?
If the core problem is you are shy then that is straightforward to fix. Just do a bunch of low risk (to yourself and others) socially scary things like giving presentations, filming YouTube videos, writing a blog, writing complimentary emails to people you respect, etc. It doesn't matter whether anyone watches or reads these things. The purpose is to decondition shyness and improve your communication skills. Eventually your brain will calibrate itself to the true low risk of social initiative. Pseudonyms are allowed.
If all you have read on this subject is Cialdini's Influences then you have not yet exhausted the trove of useful literature.
I also like to ask for occasional mentorship from a senior engineer I trust and respect, but this option is not available to everyone.