Which of the following is NOT a step in the planning process?

In the context of the planning process, choosing "Assess" as the option that is not a step highlights an understanding of the distinct phases involved in planning. The main components typically include designing a plan, implementing it, and then evaluating the effectiveness of that implementation.

Designing involves identifying the goals and outlining the means to achieve them. Implementation is the execution of the planned actions. Finally, evaluation refers to the review of the outcomes against the initial objectives to determine success and areas for improvement.

While assessing may seem relevant, it is generally considered part of the evaluation phase rather than a standalone step in the conventional planning process. This distinction clarifies why "Assess" is the best choice for being outside the primary steps of planning.