A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

There is more than one way to influence another person. All one has to do is convince another person that he/she wants something and then show or lead them to it. Just ask a car salesman or a man who is trying to gain the attention of a woman. Knowing the heart and mind of another is not only an advantage to influence someone, but it is a prime way to manipulate. When you know a person well enough, you can manipulate them for your own gain all the while making them think they have misunderstood the whole situation. More often than not, a person uses the knowledge of another's heart and mind and there is no equality of benefit for both. One walks away with a seared conscience and the other walks away with a crushed heart. This little blog was written by an extremely niave person or a sociopath. Sorry. I can read between the lines.

I think I've answered every Anonymous comment so far, but I grow weary of it. As stated, "... these words, anonymous words, are empty. They have no meaning because they have no weight. They are ghost words, because no one said them. Boo, and they are gone." So I guess I'd better come up with a policy. In the meantime, at least your ghost words are well-written. Yes, it is possible that "you can manipulate them for your own gain all the while making them think they have misunderstood," but not with everyone, and certainly not for long. You offer a very dark view. I don't think that "More often than not" we use "knowledge of another's heart and mind" in negative ways. I am curious, Anonymous, about your final two sentences. The words in "This little blog" were written by Dale Carnegie, long ago, and he generally is not considered naive nor a sociopath. Do you know something we do not? As for reading between the lines, that may be where your confusion comes from.

I have read Dale Carnegie's book and have won many friends and influenced many people. I believe the core of this book is about empathy. Walking in another's shoes sheds great views on what another is feeling. Isn't this the Master's teachings? You can not lead others unless they are willing to follow. Anonymous, you would do well to read Carnegie's book. It states, to make friends, do not bring up things that you think are incorrect in front of others, even if you think they are!
If loving and leading is manipulation, I would rather be a sociopath and not know reality. John what do you think?

D2 - well said. Thank you. Extremely well said. You should contact our company and write for them. I don't think leading is manipulation, because, as you say so well, you cannot lead anyone who isn't willing to follow. Loving certainly isn't manipulation: loving is "what can I do for you?"