(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
The difference between influencing and informing is action.
Effective informing includes clear language and communication. People understand after they have been informed.
When you influence you do more than merely inform, you create a call to action.
Influencing includes tapping into a person’s emotional side and helping them discover their desire for your outcome, not just your desire for your outcome.
To be influenced, people need to understand (be informed), sure, but they also need to have trust in what you say. Action follows trust.
To be informed, some may need more details and others may need a clearer view of the big picture. To be an effective influencer you must know which they need and provide it.
Informing teachers teach. Amazing teachers influence students to achieve.
Informing sales people describe their offerings. Amazing sales people influence people to buy.
Informers tell detailed stories. An influencer delivers powerful messages.
Coaching Point: Does this S3MC influence you to action? Or has it merely informed you?
Copyright 2011 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.