Control vs Influence

Many managers believe that it is their responsibility to exert as much control as possible over their employees to create the desired results.  In reality, is it truly possible to control another person?  As we look at the things in life that we can control and the things that we cannot control, people typically come to the conclusion that the only thing that they can truly control is themselves. 

If a person is only capable of controlling their own behavior, how can they create results through their employees?  The answer is through influence.  Influence is the middle gound between control and can’t control.  Influence is the area that is affected by a person’s actions but is not 100% under their control.

While you may not be able to control what an employee does, you may be able to influence their behavior through training, education, and the use of positive and negative consequences among other techniques.  To the extent that the other person understands and agrees with what you want them to do, you can influence them to enact certain behaviors.  You can influence others to satisfy your own needs by giving them the opportunity to satisfy their needs.