Gartner Research

How to Navigate Manipulative Communication in the C-Suite

Published: 19 April 2024

Summary

Four common forms of manipulative communication negatively influence decision making in the C-suite. This research provides executive leaders with tactics to proactively influence decision making regarding technology implementation.

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Overview

Key Findings
  • Technology decisions are no longer black and white. They require effective leadership to navigate the gray areas where manipulative communication exists. This can be frustrating for executives who expect clear-cut decisions.

  • Forty-six percent of C-suite executives use an unhealthy model to make internal decisions, relying on instincts rather than data and lacking a proper decision-making structure. This allows manipulative communication to influence strategic decisions.

  • Sixteen percent of C-suite executives don’t see a robust financial business case as a prerequisite for securing funding for most initiatives. Executives may resort to manipulative communication in an attempt to save face when

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