When strategic and human resource (HR) planners work together, they form a business partnership that complements each group. Strategic planners become more sensitive to the processes and tools needed for implementation. Strategies translate more easily from abstract statements to specific, concrete action plans. HR planners become more sensitive to ensuring relevance and credibility from deployment of HR practices. The process of integrating strategic and HR planning consists of the following steps: 1. Understand strategic intent and architecture. 2. Identify a shared mindset for customers and employees. 3. Specify the systems architecture for accomplishing strategic capability and sustaining a shared mindset. 4. Prioritize HR tools. 5. Consolidate HR practices. 6. Develop a social architecture plan. 7. Implement the social architecture. 8. Measure progress and business results. Executives who work with strategic and HR planners have the ultimate responsibility to ensure the integration of strategic and HR plans