We’ve been getting this question a lot. And, it’s a slippery slope.
Here it is…
“Why do some people see me as being manipulative in certain situations when I TRULY BELIEVE I’m being versatile?”
The answer starts by knowing what versatility looks like.
Here are some examples of versatility…
You smile when you don’t feel like it. You’re polite when you feel frustrated and irritable. You agree when you don’t really agree. You willingly do things for your loved ones because it’s important to them even though it’s not really important to you.
And, the reason you’re willing to smile, be polite, or agree – in other words, to be versatile – is because, over time, you have learned that versatility will get you what you want.
However, if you’re not careful, you could be seen as manipulative in the other person’s eyes – if they interpret the smile as not genuine, the politeness as not sincere, or the agreement as dishonest.
Here’s the difference …
If they believe it is being done FOR THEM they will likely conclude that you are being VERSATILE with them.
And, if they feel it is being done TO THEM, they will probably conclude that you are being MANIPULATIVE.
That’s why it’s a slippery slope.
Because you don’t get to decide if you’re being versatile. They do.