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