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The Rope of Leadership and Influence

By: Bob Burg

 

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Recently on Facebook and Twitter I posted the following:

 
“How far can you push a rope? Not very far.
That’s why true influencers don’t push.”
 
A reader asked, “But if you think about how hard and how often to “pull,” when are you being strategic and when merely manipulative?”
 
I thank him for caring enough to want to use influence for good.
 
First, a powerful influencer does not pull hard; they pull gently.
 
Regarding the second part of his question, it depends whether you are thinking only of yourself without caring how it affects the other person. That would be manipulation.
 
On the other hand, if you are focused on helping them; combining the benefits of your goal with THEIR wants, needs, desires, goals, and values then it’s very positive; what I would call “positive persuasion.”
 
It’s also important to interpret the quote in context. If a person wanted to utilize the message in order to manipulate, they could. But, it’s not good business and it’s not good life.
 
Once you obtain a reputation for being self-centered and manipulative, you’ll find people staying away from you in droves. And, even those people who must be around you and work with you will resist and perhaps even sabotage whenever possible.
 
If one wants to use the message of the quote in order to benefit those they are influencing, they can do that. And, that’s what great leaders; what great influencers do.
 
And, that’s why they are successful.
 
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This article was originally published by Bob Burg
 
Published: January 27, 2014
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bob Burg

Bob Burg

Bob Burg shares information on topics vital to the success of today's business person. He speaks for Fortune 500 companies, franchises, and numerous direct sales organizations. Bob’s audiences range from 50 to 16,000, and he shares the platform with today's top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic athletes and political leaders including a former United States President. He is the author of the widely-read Endless Referrals, and the WSJ best-selling business parable, The Go-Giver (coauthored with John David Mann). Bob’s newest book is Adversaries Into Allies, which draws on his own experiences and the stories of other influential people.

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