Why Do Leaders Sometimes Manipulate Those They Lead?

Why do people in leadership positions sometimes wind up manipulating the people they lead? Here are a couple of thoughts…

Sometimes manipulation occurs because the leaders genuinely think they know what’s best. And since they honestly believe they know what’s best they assume the manipulation is okay. After all, manipulation works and what is achieved through their manipulations will—in their minds—ultimately be what is best. So they rationalize that the manipulation is justified.

Sometimes manipulation occurs because leaders cannot generate enthusiasm, passion, interest and action consistent with their objectives through a truthful explanation of the facts of the situation so they resort to manipulative tactics. Manipulation will often work by taking advantage of strong feelings and emotions when the facts alone will not promote the actions they are hoping for.

Sometimes manipulation occurs because leaders have an ulterior motive. An ulterior motive held by a leader is, by definition, not something the leader wants to reveal. So, they attempt to achieve their desired ends by keeping the objectives hidden and manipulating emotions instead.

It is easy for leaders to fall into the tendency to manipulate the people they lead. Even good leaders are capable of doing this because there are forms of manipulation which are very effective and, frankly, can be easier to execute. So it is tempting to use them.

Good leaders, however, are honest and they relate with those they lead in truthful, mature, respectful ways. They do not view those they lead as dumb sheep to be manipulated, rather, they view them as people of intelligence and capability; people deserving of dignity and respect.

So good leaders make every attempt to refrain from knowingly manipulating those they lead. In fact, the approach of good leaders is to serve those they lead, in love. They provide guidance and direction through example. They cast a vision for a future that is good and right and would be better for everyone, doing so in an honest and forthright manner.

Jesus’ approach to leadership is represented—at least, in part—by something He said about himself which is recorded in the book of Matthew:

“…[T]he Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Leadership And The Temptation To Manipulate People

There is an incredible temptation to want to manipulate people when you are in a leadership position of any kind.  Often those of us who are in leadership positions may even convince ourselves that the way in which we want to manipulate people is “for their own good.”  When we can convince ourselves that we’re doing something noble then we don’t feel guilty about it.

I’ve pulled this kind of stuff.  It has a lot to do with insecurity.

Leadership is a valid and necessary gift.  We need good leaders.  I’m not suggesting that leadership itself is an inherently flawed concept.  It’s not.  But I believe good leaders do not manipulate people.  We inform.  We instruct.  We point the way.  We encourage.  We exhort.  We pray.  We paint a picture of what could be.  We do what we are calling others to do. 

But manipulation is not necessary when we are doing what God calls us to do.  We need to allow God’s Holy Spirit to move, prompt, illuminate and convict.  And if the work of the Holy Spirit is not enough to motivate people to the actions we are hoping to see then we should not presume that we need to compensate with our own clever forms of manipulation.

(This thought is primarily directed at myself, but I thought some others might find it interesting or helpful, as well.)

Even When It Involves A Good Cause Leaders Should Not Be Manipulative

People who are in leadership positions are frequently tempted to manipulate the folks they lead in order to gain commitment and conformity to whatever cause they represent.  Sometimes the leaders sincerely believe, “This cause is so good and so right that these slight manipulations are justified.”  (I know the feeling.)  I believe it is important, however, for leaders to resist the temptation to use manipulation.  Even if the cause is noble and right, manipulating the people we lead is not healthy for the leader or for those we lead.