In smaller groups, we hear the suggestions of those whom we perceive as having good ideas quite differently from those whose thinking we categorize pedestrian. We hear the member who speak for us, who represents our point of view, who sounds as though he or she understands our position, and we are much more influenced to act in accordance with his or her suggestions. We may be influenced by those of higher status, a position we regard as important, a personal style, or charisma. In each situation, the powerful person has power because we accept his or her influence and do it voluntarily. Obviously, this power exists only as long as that person is a referent for us. Parents are powerful referent for children until they are teenagers and then perhaps become powerful negative referent for a while; later their referent power usually becomes less direct.