If our motive is to manipulate, our communication and our leadership in general will prove to be ineffective over time. In recent years, since the publication of my book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I have worked with many wonderful individuals who are seeking to improve the quality of their communications, relationships, products, services, organizations, and lives. But sadly, I see many people using a variety of ill-advised approaches. Then I will suggest the principle-centered solution.
Some executives justify heavy-handed means in the name of virtuous ends.
Many see no correlation between the quality of their personal lives at home and the quality of their communications at work. Because of the social and political environment inside their organizations and the fragmented markets outside, they think they can abuse relationships at will and still get results. The head coach of a professional football team once told me that some players don't pay the price in the off-season. Somehow they think they can fool me, make the team, and play great in the games. We all admit that our greatest resources are being wasted.