Ethics and Influence- Josh Malament

I believe the difference between influence and manipulation comes down to intent. The intent of manipulation is to basically to trick someone into getting what you want. It usually benefits only the manipulator who uses aggressive conniving behavior to reach their desired outcome. The intent of influence usually is a common goal or desired outcome. Influence carries a much more positive connotation than manipulation.

A leader can influence his followers in striving for the common goal. A leader uses his power of influence to motivate others to help attain goals and visions that are generally good for the majority of those involved. A leader abuses his or her power by manipulating others and tricking them into making decisions by misleading and misdirecting them into thinking it is good for them when the leader can really care less about their well being. The line is between good and bad is pretty simple. When someone misleads and misdirects others into making a decision against there will for their own benefit, that is bad. Using power to influence others towards decisions that benefit the majority, that is good.

My core values are strongly opposed to manipulation. To deceive others for my own benefit would make me sick to my stomach. I believe it is unethical to do so. This is probably why i never became a salesman. In sales, a person straddles that line between influence and manipulation. How do you really sell someone something that don't really need? if the person wants it, they will buy it. of course, most salesmen are good people, but there are some that are driven too far by the money, and don't care what they do to make that sale.

I think as long as the influence is being made in good intentions and for the greater good, there is nothing wrong with it. Misleading someone in order to reach that end result is where the line has been crossed. Manipulation is influence's evil stop mother. It will lie, deceit, and steal to reach the desired outcome. These weapons of influence when used correctly and ethically are very powerful tools in business and in everyday life. But when abused, can be even more powerful.