<p> Aims and intended learning outcomes </p> <p>The purpose of this article is to explore the theory and practice of persuasion and influence and to discuss how nurses can exert them within and outside their profession.</p> <p>After reading this article the reader should be able to:</p> ■ <p>Define persuasion and influence</p> ■ <p>Distinguish between management and leadership, using influence and persuasion as a referent</p> ■ <p>Name five ways of influencing and persuading people.</p>