When dealing with someone who is manipulative, how do you react?
Our reader poll today asks: When dealing with someone who is manipulative, how do you react? I get away from them as fast as I can: 18% I actively combat their manipulation and confront them on it: 16% I try to understand why they’re doing it and avoid the trap: 61% I try to manipulate them right back: 4% I just let it happen: 2% Beware the manipulator. 77% of you either actively battle against a manipulator’s efforts or try to understand their motivations and avoid the trap they’re setting for you. Most of the rest of you try to get away from them as best you can. Unfortunately there are situations where you’ll be challenged to get away – especially if they’re a teammate or a boss. Invest the time in understanding their motivations. Those motives might not make sense to you but that doesn’t matter. You simply need to understand the motivations and see how their behaviors can harm you or, more productively, how you can resolve whatever the conflict is either by meeting their needs or getting them to look at the situation differently. Regardless of the situation, avoid the temptation to manipulate them in return. Those situations rarely end well. Do you agree with these poll results? Let us know in the comments below! – Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC Did you enjoy this post? If so, I highly encourage you to take about 30 seconds to become a regular subscriber to this blog. It’s free, fun, practical, and only a few emails a week (I promise!). SIGN UP HERE to get the thoughtLEADERS blog conveniently delivered right to your inbox!