Strategic change is difficult, but failure to change strategies to keep up with environmental changes can lead to severe consequences. The fifth and final step of the strategic planning process involves implementing and controlling strategies to ensure that the mission and objectives, at all three levels, are achieved; it’s about taking action. Top and middle managers are more involved with the planning, whereas the lower-level functional managers and employees implement the operational strategies on a day-to-day basis.

Although strategic planning usually goes well, implementation is often a problem. One reason is that strategic plans often end up buried in bottom drawers; no action is taken to implement the strategy. As strategies are being implemented, they must also be controlled. Controlling is the process of monitoring progress and taking corrective action when needed to ensure that objectives are achieved. You need to overcome the barriers that will try to prevent you from achieving your objectives.