Sources of Control

It places you ahead of your competitors--internal or external.

There are a number of sources of control you need to achieve to give you greater power within the environment in which you operate. Developing one or more of these will give you a greater ability to direct your particular market.

• Control of Knowledge. Access to information and knowledge provides you with understanding and an enhanced ability to prepare. It places you ahead of your competitors--internal or external.
• Expert Power. At times we all need someone who can find solutions to our problems. Expertise is a source of power, especially when it is in short supply.
• Control of Resources. If you control who can use resource, such as staff, money, and offices, then you have power over other managers.
• Control of Distribution. If you are a good retailer and make your outlets popular with customers, suppliers want to talk to you. By controlling access to customers, you can control the manufacturers.
• Personal Power. This derives from your personal influence--your ability to make people voluntarily do what you want. Influential people spend their time talking with others.

ACTION POINT: Understand and strengthen your sources of control.

•