Unmasking Influence and Manipulation: Key Psychological Tactics Revealed

Have you ever wondered about the things people do or say that get you to do something?

These are the tactics people use to either influence or manipulate you. While the tactics are the same, my intent may be different. The way you perceive is yet another factor.

As I have mentioned before, I love 'influence'. I have always admired people with influence over other people or situations.

Still, these influential people exhibit certain traits. They also use certain tactics that stimulate your brain. And these are the things that make me think.

Here are my thoughts:

Influence tactics

Manipulative tactics

Impact on individuals

Influence Tactics

Influence tactics target the psychology of a person. It stimulates a person's behavior in a subtle yet powerful way.

Often coaches, counselors, and mentors use these tactics. They get us to do things we don't want to do. Or get us to do things that we believe we can't do.

Either way, the outcome is positive for you. Not that person. Of course, the outcome could benefit both parties as well.

You may see people use the following tactics on you or others:

• Reciprocity. Someone does something for you and you feel compelled to do something in return.
• Social proof. Someone shows you proof of the results of an action to show you that it's possible.
• Authority. Someone shows you their expertise to gain your trust in a specific field or circumstance.

And there are many more. The point is that people will always use tactics to convince you to do something. To take a certain action.

Your parents did it all your life. The assumption is that your parents had your best interest at heart. But did you like it?

Likely not, we often view our parents as our enemies who want to control us. You can tell the difference by identifying manipulative tactics.

Manipulative Tactics

Manipulative tactics are the same as influence tactics. They both target the psychology of a person. The only thing that changes is the intent of the person using those tactics on you.

This is the part that is both harmful to you and difficult for you to spot. Not impossible, though. You have to ask questions and pay attention.

Here are some examples of manipulative tactics someone may use:

• Gaslighting. Making someone believe that they are insane. Or rather questions their reality, memory, and perception.
• Emotional blackmail. Someone uses guilt, fear, or obligation to control another person's actions or decisions.
• Fear-mongering. Someone spreads fear and anxiety over you with emphasis on potential dangers.

No doubt you have both seen the use of these tactics or used them yourself. Good or bad, it's irrelevant at this point. You are now aware of either what people are doing to you or what you are doing to others. And trust me, it impacts both.

Impact on Individuals

Influence often leads to personal growth and increased confidence. I intend to uplift you and support your decisions. With my influence, I would hope you make better decisions. I hope but don't control your decisions.

Influence involves a positive outcome at the end of the relationship or circumstance. The outcome has to be positive. you must feel the accomplishment and the growth. You must feel the achievement within yourself.

If I manipulate you, I want control over your decisions. This means I destroy your confidence, self-esteem, and trust in yourself. Manipulation leads to anxiety because you start to feel someone incongruent within you.

When this begins to happen, start asking questions. You want to improve your understanding of what's happening. You also want to bring light to your point of view, i.e., feelings. The other person's response or reaction will reveal their intent.

Fear and anger often follow a person who's manipulating you. Pay attention, listen to your instincts, and take appropriate action.

Conclusion

Not everyone who wants to influence you is wanting to manipulate you. But everyone that wants to manipulate you will influence you.

Search for your positive outcome out of the relationship (i.e., influence). Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I growing?
• Am I becoming a better person?
• Am I achieving something positive in my life?

If the answers are 'yes', you are likely on the right path. Or with the right person, at least.

Remember you control your actions and responses. You don't control the other person's actions and responses, though. You can only influence them.