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Motivation, Manipulation and Leadership - by Zig Ziglar

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty

I like Zig Ziglar and share his article here with you.

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"Motivation, Manipulation And Leadership"  ~  By Zig Ziglar

The word "motivation" is one that is often confused with "manipulation."  Motivation occurs when you persuade someone to take an action in their own best interests.  Things like people preparing their homework, accepting responsibility for their performance and finishing their education, are the result of motivation. 

Zig ZiglarManipulation is persuading someone to take an action which is primarily for your benefit.  Things like selling an inferior product at an inflated price or working people overtime with no extra pay are examples of manipulation.  Manipulation self-destructs the individual doing the manipulating.  Word gets out on manipulators and people grow less and less likely to respond in a positive manner to their manipulation.  Productivity declines. 

Leadership occurs when you persuade a person to take an action which is in your mutual best interests.  Eisenhower said that leadership was the ability to persuade someone to do what you wanted them to do because they wanted to do it.  When that happens, performance improves, productivity increases, and both parties win.

Comparing motivation to manipulation is like comparing kindness to deceit.  The difference is the intent of the person.  Motivation will cause people to act out of free choice and desire, while manipulation often results in forced compliance.  One is ethical and long-lasting; the other is unethical and temporary.

Carlisle said, "A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats the little man."  The value you place on people determines whether you are a motivator or a manipulator of people. 

Motivation is moving together for mutual advantage.  Manipulation is persuading or even subtly coercing someone to do something so that you win and they lose.  With the motivator everybody wins; with the manipulator, only the manipulator wins.  And to that I might add that the victory is temporary and the price is prohibitive. 

Leaders and motivators are winners, manipulators are losers who produce resentment and discord.  Think about it.  Become a motivator, not a manipulator, and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is known as America's motivator, is the author of books and recordings, and has brought his message of hope to thousands on the stages at the Get Motivated Seminars.  

Quote  ~  "Obviously, there is little you can learn from doing nothing". ~  Zig Ziglar

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Comments (12)

Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Harrison - I used to be in Zig's Sunday School Class at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas.  What a treat that was!  We often went as a group afterwards to a local restaurant and ate together as a group.  He is amazing!  I enjoyed this post!

Jun 29, 2011 02:31 PM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Barbara ... That's fantastic about your being in Zig Ziglar's Sunday school class at a Baptist church in Dallas.  You are famous.  

We love Zig and you too for sharing your story.  If you have anything more to add to the Zig Ziglar memory, please post it here.  Thanks.

Jun 29, 2011 02:38 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Harrison - I think this is a great distinction that more people should consider as they look at how they deal with clients and others in life.

Jun 29, 2011 07:17 PM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Thanks, Christine.  Have a good 4th of July weekend while helping to motivate people through leadership and values.

Jun 29, 2011 07:21 PM
EC, JF, Double R and Zoey the Cool Cat
Russel Ray Photos - San Diego, CA

I have had a lot of manipulators in my life. It doesn’t take me that long to motivate them to go manipulate someone else. lol

Jun 29, 2011 07:31 PM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Eric ... It's good that you have had experience and can help others learn about benefits of being around motivators and not manipulators.

Jun 30, 2011 04:33 AM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

HI Harrison - I am a big fan of Zig Ziglar and have actually listened to his CD's. He is truly a motivator, and thanks for sharing this article!

Jun 30, 2011 05:18 AM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Sharon ... Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Zig Ziglar.

Best wishes to you for a great U.S. Independence day celebration and weekend of helping people with real estate.

Jun 30, 2011 05:48 AM
Kelli Wall
Coldwell Banker Taylor Real Estate - Idabel, OK
Realtor - Idabel,Oklahoma 74745

Harrison - I was blessed to hear Zig speak at a real estate conference in Dallas, Texas many years ago - It was Amazing and his words still fill my head to this day.  Kelli

Jun 30, 2011 03:05 PM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Kelli ... You were blessed indeed to be with Zig at that real estate conference in Dallas.  We also saw him at several live conferences.  One such Zig presentation stands out in memory, where he got down on his hands and knees, and showed people what it was really like to have a loving relationship with the Lord.  Interesting that was at a "Get Motivated" seminar where people of all faiths seemed to enjoy and cheer for Zig and his message of love and success.

Jun 30, 2011 06:28 PM
Nicole Thome
Open Door Auctions - Irvine, CA

Zig is the best!  Always inspiring ... thanks for posting!

Nicole

Jul 01, 2011 04:12 AM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Nicole ... You are right that "Zig is the best".  Have a great U.S. Independence day celebration.

Jul 01, 2011 05:07 AM