I disagree on both counts. I didn't mean to imply anything about lying or misleading. Similarly, I don't think it is manipulation to consider your audience and

I disagree on both counts. I didn't mean to imply anything about lying or misleading. Similarly, I don't think it is manipulation to consider your audience and what they are trying to ask. The best coworkers I've had were honest and straightforward, but could understand and emphasize with their audience too. I think everyone who takes this question literally at face value is missing the second half of that. I think most people want a nearly endless list of things, of which money is just one of the most important. For example, most people won't be happy with if you give them money but treat them like shit and over work them with frustrating tasks.