Power vs. Influence: The Key Difference

Power and influence—both can change human behavior, but they operate differently.

• Power speaks. It commands, enforces, and directs.
• Influence doesn’t speak. It inspires, persuades, and subtly shifts.

Power relies on authority. Influence relies on trust.

Power can demand action, but influence makes people want to act.

The question isn’t which is better—it’s how you use them.

True leaders master both, knowing when to speak with power and when to guide with influence.

​