Articles

Persuasion or Manipulation

by Corey Blackmur Blackmur Global
Do you ever notice that for some people it seems so simple for them to have anyone they associate with to more often than not support their ideas?  They seem to have no problem in turning their ideas into real action.  Most of these people tend to persuade others in order to get the results they want.  Or do they manipulate others into a situation in order to get what they want? 

Have you ever thought about this for any length of time?

Persuasion is really an art in itself, where people position themselves to generate real value for others.  You really have to have a range of skills to do this, things like having personal credibility, the ability to win over other peoples thought processes and beliefs, along with being able to overcome resistance.  Most people without realizing it draw on these skills on a daily basis, they just don't always realize it.

Someone once said that the best way to shape the future or to shape your future is to influence it.  But in order to shape that future it must be done ethically and there must be mutual gain for those involved.  It becomes manipulation when you do this for personal gain only, if you are doing things for personal gain, then you're definitely not adding value to yourself or anyone else.  Typically you are likely even being unethical or using unethical tactics to manipulate others for personal gain.  This will destroy your reputation and credibility in very short order.

You know the old saying: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Taking this into consideration I believe one key factor to persuasion is to "listen to others as you would have them listen to you"  This not only will improve your relationships but it will build trust with others.  When people feel that they have been heard, they then feel that their opinion is being valued, then they will become more open to considering your point of view and your ideas. 

So if at times you feel that you may actually be manipulating others into your point of view, maybe consider sharpening your "persuasion skills" so that you can add value to others and in turn be able to take your ideas and turn them into valuable business outcomes for the benefit of everyone involved.  Sometimes a little education to gain some additional knowledge can take you a long way........

Engage~Inform~Educate it will add to your own credibility as well as add value to everyone you associate with: persuade rather than manipulate

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About Corey Blackmur Committed     Blackmur Global

444 connections, 9 recommendations, 1,274 honor points.
Joined APSense since, November 11th, 2010, From Regina Saskatchewan, Canada.

Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

Comments

Warren Contreras Magnate I   Old Retired Guy
Very true Corey, but the thought needs to take place on both sides. How many times have we heard from an associate and immediately dismissed it as a manipulative self-serving pitch, when if we took a moment longer we would easily recognize it as an attempt to share a mutually beneficial idea?
Jan 20th 2012 11:00   
Dave Saunders Professional   Internet Marketer
Great article Corey, I totally agree with all you said there. I personally try to walk in each person's shoes who I come into contact with. Everyone is different and some people may need different approaches to convey the message and get it understood. I believe that being humble and a good listener is a great asset to have.
Jan 20th 2012 11:29   
Otoabasi Umonting Senior   Marketing Consultant & Coach
Great pointers Corey. It's easy to become manipulative, especially when we're trying to promote or sell a product. If what we shared is of value, the person on the other end will go home happy. Sometimes we feel our opinion matters the most, so what others are saying does not count; but that approach cripples any form of success.
Jan 20th 2012 11:39   
Corey Blackmur Committed   Blackmur Global
Thanks guys for taking the time to read through the article and for your kudos. You're right on target Warren, I should taken part of my article and incorporated that angle as well - thanks......
Jan 20th 2012 14:20   
Wesley Anderson Committed   You Are Not Allowed To Be Scammed
This is a very interesting article.
Jan 20th 2012 15:00   
Mike Lowry, D.O. Advanced   Rastelli Direct IBP
Our success is only accomplished by the success of others.
Jan 20th 2012 22:56   
Rob aka Cerberus Magnate III Pro   Better World Partisan
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." (Albert Einstein)
Jan 27th 2012 08:38   
Joseph Botelho Magnate I   Investing One Gram at a Time
Well written Corey, makes perfect sense to me has valued and most of all provides us at a total way of understanding what manipulation can actually do..I also decide to add this article to the APSense Blog..nice job...again!!
Feb 14th 2012 15:12   
Paula van Dun Magnate II   Retired
Great article that invites to think about
Feb 14th 2012 15:16   
Corey Blackmur Committed   Blackmur Global
@Rob, Joseph and Paula, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Also Joseph, I appreciate you posting to Apsense Blog as well............
Feb 15th 2012 15:46   
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