Dear Puja,
The dictionary meaning of influence is a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc. Another meaning is induce into action by using one's charm. Therefore, influencing may or may not be a deliberate effort.
Junior employees get influenced by the senior management professionals like GMs, Directors, Managing Directors etc by the way they communicate, the way take their decisions etc. Seniors also influence juniors by the espousing certain values or adhering to certain philosophy. In such cases, juniors considers seniors as their role model because of the positive influence that seniors create. However, in many cases, there is no direct communication between junior and senior.
Employees get influenced by the culture of the company as well. Management style of the seniors, competitiveness of the enterprise, parameters of rewards and recognition etc are all influencing factors. The informal conversation between or amongst the employees to do something or not to do something influences actions or decisions of the workplace colleagues.
Influence could be result of direct/indirect efforts also. Many times, people join informal organisations, charity organisation etc because of the indirect influence of workplace colleague, neighbour etc.
To get influenced or not depends on one's needs, requirements, interests, prejudices and beliefs. Suppose someone is not interested in cricket, then no amount of discussion about cricket can influence that person to play cricket or even watch the game on TV. Take your own case. You are member of this forum since 2nd February 2008 and have raised five posts. You have not given any reply to a query from the fellow member. Therefore, wealth of information that this forum provides has failed to influence you. The needs of the fellow members also have failed to influence a Communication Trainer like you to share your valuable knowledge!
The dictionary meaning of persuade is to cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action. Persuasion is a result of direct communication and it could be positive or negative. Winning approval of other person(s) by projecting positive features of something is called as positive persuasion. Salespersons use their persuasive skills while selling their products or services. In this case, efforts are intended or having the power to induce action or belief. In contrast, if the efforts are to cause to do because of the unpleasant consequences, it is negative persuasion. When senior manager forces junior to take additional responsibility, it has undertone of negative persuasion. Mostly direct communication is required to persuade somebody.
Last note: - While raising query on this forum, always mention the reason of your query, your background etc.
For Mr V Raghunathan: - Nice to see you after a long time. Nevertheless, the dictionary meaning of both the words does not support your reply.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar