What term describes the ability to influence the behavior of others to achieve desired outcomes?

The term that best describes the ability to influence the behavior of others to achieve desired outcomes is power. Power refers to the capacity of an individual or group to affect the decision-making, actions, or beliefs of others. This influence can stem from various sources, such as position, expertise, or personal traits, and is essential in achieving goals within a business or organizational context.

While authority also pertains to the right to make decisions and enforce rules, it is more about the formal position within an organization rather than the broader concept of influencing behavior. Leadership, on the other hand, encompasses the practice of guiding and motivating individuals towards achieving a common goal, which includes but is not limited to the aspect of influence. Influence itself is a key component of power, representing the ways one can sway others' actions or thoughts, but it does not encapsulate the full breadth of the capacity to achieve desired outcomes as power does. Thus, power is the most comprehensive term to describe this ability.