How to Coach Yourself and Others Beware of Manipulation | Page 110

Diversion and evasion are two effective means of deflecting concern or confrontation about problem
behaviors. It is axiomatic that the person using these tactics has no intention whatsoever of taking
responsibility for a behavior or of considering changing it. Rather than be accountable and responsible,
what the issue-dodger and subject-changer really wants to do is to advance their own agenda at the
expense of yours while simultaneously managing your impression of them. Such tactics are employed
very effectively by political talking heads when they are grilled by news commentators who have
serious questions about the policies being endorsed: as a result, they stay on message, while looking
good and remaining convincing, despite what they know are flaws in their positions.

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