Positive Reflection For The Day In the formal context of organisations and the less formal setting of families, it is the manager and the parent's role to influence others. But when they try to control it means their intentions are self-centred i.e. "You have to do what I want. You have to please me". In reality, their role is not to control but to influence. In order to assist in the growth and development of another, the intention has to be corrected to, "Now what can I say or do that is going to be most effective in encouraging and supporting their growth and development?" Arriving at the point of realisation that control is impossible but influence is possible the next question is 'how'. How can you influence others? You can listen, encourage, empathize, share etc.… there are hundreds of ways to positively influence. But what is the right way, at this moment, with this person, in this situation. This is real creativity requiring the ability to understand what is appropriate, the right attitude to embody it and the accurate words and behaviours to communicate it.