Difference Between Persuasion & Influence

Persuasion vs Influence

 
Persuasion and influence are often used interchangeably, yet there are differences between them. Persuasion involves reasoning with someone to change their beliefs or actions, while influence is the ability to affect another person’s way of thinking. Both concepts have deep significance for those who aspire to be effective leaders, as they can be used as motivational techniques. Although they have a common goal of motivating and guiding the behavior and attitude of team members to achieve a shared objective, there are underlying differences between influence and persuasion that need to be understood in order to use one or both effectively. This article aims to clarify the difference between persuasion and influence while explaining the terms.

What is Persuasion?

Persuasion involves changing someone’s behavior through deliberate communication. It is a method of altering an individual’s course of action by reasoning with them. Successful persuasion can be seen in great leaders and orators who have the power to sway the opinions and behaviors of others easily. Persuasion occurs in everyday life as well, such as when a friend convinces you to change your plans through effective communication. This demonstrates that persuasion is the ability to sway others’ opinions by presenting a compelling case. People who are persuaded become motivated to do what you want.

Key Takeaways

• Persuasion involves changing someone’s behavior through deliberate communication and reasoning.
• Influence is the ability to affect another person’s way of thinking without explicit communication.
• Both persuasion and influence are important tools for leaders, but they work through different methods and have different implications for trust and credibility.

What is Influence?

Influence differs from persuasion in that it involves a change in a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior due to another person’s personality. Great leaders have the charisma to make others behave or do what they want without explicitly communicating their desires. While both influence and persuasion aim to change a person’s behavior or attitude, persuasion requires communication, while influence works silently and effortlessly. Influence is often preferred by leaders because it is based on trust and credibility, which can be lacking in persuasion. In some situations, the use of persuasive techniques can lead to a perception of manipulation and temporary compliance at best. In contrast, attitude and behavioral changes resulting from influence tend to be longer-lasting and produce better results. When trust is present, both influence and persuasion can work effectively.

What is the Difference Between Persuasion and Influence?

• Persuasion involves altering behavior through reasoning, while influence involves changing behavior through personality.
• Both persuasion and influence are valuable tools for leaders.
• Although both aim to create changes in behavior and attitudes, their methods differ: persuasion requires communication, while influence works without any communication, motivating employees to do what the leader wants.