Influencing vs. Persuading

Attribute	Influencing	Persuading
Definition	Act of affecting or changing behavior, beliefs, or opinions of others	Act of convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument
Goal	To bring about a change in behavior or attitude	To convince someone to take a specific action or adopt a particular belief
Approach	Focuses on building relationships and credibility	Relies on logic, emotions, and credibility to persuade
Techniques	Building trust, leading by example, providing information	Using persuasive language, appealing to emotions, providing evidence
Outcome	May result in a change in behavior or attitude	Intended outcome is for the person to take a specific action or adopt a belief

When it comes to communication and getting others to act in a certain way, two key concepts often come into play: influencing and persuading. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between influencing and persuading, and how each can be effectively utilized in various situations.

Definition

First, let's define what influencing and persuading actually mean. Influencing is the ability to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. It involves using one's power, position, or personality to produce an effect. On the other hand, persuading is the act of causing someone to do something through reasoning or argument. It involves convincing someone to change their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors through communication.

Approach

When it comes to approach, influencing tends to be more subtle and indirect. It involves building relationships, gaining trust, and using one's credibility to sway others. Influencing is often about leading by example and inspiring others to follow suit. Persuading, on the other hand, is more direct and explicit. It involves presenting arguments, providing evidence, and using logic to convince others to take a specific action or adopt a certain viewpoint.

Goal

The goal of influencing is often long-term and focused on building lasting relationships and trust. Influencers aim to create a positive impact on others and inspire them to make changes willingly. Persuading, on the other hand, is more immediate and outcome-oriented. The goal of persuasion is to get someone to take a specific action or change their mind about something in the short term.

Effectiveness

Both influencing and persuading can be effective in different situations. Influencing is often more effective in situations where trust and credibility are important, such as in leadership roles or when working with teams. Persuading, on the other hand, can be more effective in situations where a quick decision or action is needed, such as in sales or marketing.

Skills

While both influencing and persuading require strong communication skills, there are some key differences in the skills needed for each. Influencing requires skills such as empathy, active listening, and relationship-building. Persuading, on the other hand, requires skills such as argumentation, negotiation, and presentation. Both influencing and persuading can benefit from skills such as emotional intelligence and adaptability.

Application

Influencing and persuading can be applied in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, business interactions, and leadership roles. Influencing is often used by leaders to inspire and motivate their teams, while persuading is commonly used in sales and marketing to convince customers to make a purchase. Both influencing and persuading can be valuable tools in achieving goals and influencing others to take action.