5. Controlling

According to Koontz & O’Donell,

“Controlling is the measurement & correction of performance activities of subordinates in order to make sure that the enterprise objectives and plans desired to obtain them as being accomplished”.

Controlling requires you to examine the objectives in a measurable manner. You essentially need to set standards, which guarantee you know exactly what you want to achieve and what counts as success or failure. But controlling is also a function that due to the set of standards will ensure you have the ability to correct behaviors when they deviate from the standards. In essence, controlling is about quality monitoring. You are looking at the processes and ensuring they achieve the right things for the organization.

 Why is controlling essential?

Controlling’s most important function is the risk-reduction ability. Since you are essentially monitoring the performance of the team and comparing it against the objectives you’ve set, you can react to problems more easily.

TO KNOW MORE

 How to control?

• Establish standards of performance – You first need to establish the standards of performance you are aiming for. These must be set with the organizational objectives in mind. You look at the objectives and the plan you have set, creating a set of measurements that would tell you are on the right path.
• Measure the actual performance - The monitoring process will depend on your standards and the ease of measurement. Part of the process can be performance reviews, actual quantifiable data and so on. The key is to start collecting the information from the start.
• Compare the actual performance with the expected standards – As you receive performance data, you can start comparing it with the standards you’ve set. The comparison helps you to identify the problem areas or notice patterns that are actually working more efficiently.
• Take corrective action – With the data you’ve collected and the information you have about performance, you can take any necessary corrective action.