# Ethical Persuasion

### Persuasive Intentional

In every interaction, we have certain goals with humans, like work, politics, collaboration, hobbies, and in a family setting. The goals we have are absolutely different to each other. In terms of the effort to build meaning between humans.

In certain situations. Have you ever thought about whether what you did was manipulation to gain something from anyone you interact with? You wonder if that manipulative thing you did was bad. And you think that you were wrong all this time. Because manipulation is always a "moralised" concept.

What do you define as manipulation? People and philosophers often debate the best definition of it. Based on the sense of usage on complicated topics that mean to signal while approaching something.

Well, its judgement made you to try change. And to accompany a new positive evaluation in a new situation. Now you would act with a persuasion intent.

Persuasion vs Manipulation. In both of these words, the goal is to elicit an individual or group to do something or think about something they would not presumably do without influence.

Persuasion and manipulation, of course in the same tree as “cousins” which in the family tree on principles of human action and interaction.

The good persuader and good manipulator understand on how those principles works to use it effectively to utilise them. And some say, nothing is more dangerous than a bad person with good people skills.

The principles are the same. Only the results are different. Which is the intent itself. In The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen, Dr. Paul Swets addresses an explanation regarding intent and outcome. He wrote:

> *“Manipulation aims at control, not cooperation. It results in a win/lose situation. It does not consider the good of the other party. Persuasion is just the opposite. In contrast to the manipulator, the persuader seeks to enhance the self-esteem of the other party. The result is that people respond better because they are treated as responsible, self-directing individuals.”*

If you persuade someone to buy something, and give them good reason to buy because it will best suit their needs, you are not manipulating them.

Persuasion is to serve, and manipulation to hurt. Or does it always hurt? Manipulation certainly doesn't care *if* it does. The manipulator is only focusing on himself or herself within their own self-interest. Only do it for their own benefit, and if someone must suffer from it, be so it.

Both persuaders and manipulators know the how and why of human motivation. But the big difference between the two is that manipulators use that knowledge to THEIR advantage. And the persuaders use it to the OTHER person’s advantage.

The practice of influence is determined by how abundantly we put other people’s interests first. That is persuasion with good ethics.

### Being Empathic In the Persuasive Process

Empathy improve the ability of our to understand the other person, when the other person experiencing and feeling. Allowing it to be used for adjustment, as happens in communication. It’s much easier to communicate with each other, when an individual create more empathy to other.

Persuasion needs consistent work that consists of solutions to unmet needs. This is obvious for everyone to gain. Contrary to manipulation, which tricks its victim and does not respect their choice and agency.

With empathy, we can build deeper relationships by understanding and connecting with others.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/6682549feccbc3897a7da7b5/8a73048c-a58b-4b23-ad8b-d553f451a6c0.webp align="center")

First, you try to see their POV and be genuine to understand their situation and feelings. Then you connect by acknowledging and validating their emotions. Focus on the person by prioritising helping the individual.

As human we serve to influence on humanity, to change people to their beliefs and attitudes for the greater good of freedom and fundamental rights.

Hence, a good leader possesses responsibility, creativity, proactivity, and influence. The competent one is able to put forward his or her ideas. Inspiring and motivating their employees.

Persuasive leader in other sight, inspires confidence and foster their employees a sense of commitment to achieved goals. Thus, strengthening teamwork.

### References

*   Manipulation: What It Is, Why It's Bad, What to Do About It by Cass R. Sunstein
    
*   [https://burg.com/2010/08/persuasion-vs-manipulation/](https://burg.com/2010/08/persuasion-vs-manipulation/)
    
*   [https://www.mindpartner.pt/en/blog/the-fine-line-between-persuasion-and-manipulation](https://www.mindpartner.pt/en/blog/the-fine-line-between-persuasion-and-manipulation)