OGSM Framework
OGSM (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, Measures) is a one-page strategic planning framework originally developed by Procter & Gamble and widely used in large organizations for aligning strategy across levels. It forces teams to articulate: the Objective (qualitative, inspiring direction), Goals (quantitative targets), Strategies (how you'll get there), and Measures (how you'll track progress). Unlike OKRs, OGSM operates at a higher strategic level and is designed to cascade from corporate to business unit to team. In a workshop setting, OGSM is effective for annual planning sessions, strategic alignment workshops, and whenever leadership needs to move from vision to executable plan on a single page. The one-page constraint forces prioritization and clarity.
How to run it
- 1
Set context: explain that OGSM fits on one page and forces clarity across four dimensions.
- 2
Define the Objective: a qualitative, ambitious, inspirational statement of where you want to go. This should be memorable and direction-setting, not measurable. Timebox: 20 minutes.
- 3
Set Goals: 3-5 quantitative targets that define what success looks like in 1-3 years. Each goal must be specific, measurable, and time-bound.
- 4
Develop Strategies: 3-5 key strategic choices — the 'how.' Each strategy should be a meaningful choice that sets direction, not a generic action. Strategies answer: 'What will we do, and equally, what won't we do?'
- 5
Define Measures: for each strategy, identify the KPIs or leading indicators that will show the strategy is working. These are different from Goals — they track execution of strategy, not just outcomes.
- 6
Review for coherence: does each strategy clearly connect to the goals? Do the measures track the right things? Is everything on one page?
- 7
Test for specificity: replace any vague language ('improve customer experience') with concrete, observable language ('reduce support ticket volume by 30%').
- 8
Cascade plan: decide how the OGSM will be broken into team-level OGSMs or OKRs.
Tips
The one-page discipline is the method's power — resist the urge to expand it.
If you can't fit it on one page, the strategy isn't clear enough.
Strategies should be genuine choices ('we will focus on enterprise, not SMB') not just activities ('we will do marketing').
Keep the Objective inspiring enough that people could recite it without looking at the document.
Variations
Run OGSM at corporate level, then cascade into business unit workshops. Combine with Balanced Scorecard for a more comprehensive performance management view. Use in quarterly reviews to check progress.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use OGSM Framework?â–¾
Use OGSM Framework when you want to: Annual strategic planning; Corporate-to-team strategy cascade; Business unit strategy alignment; Post-merger integration planning; Strategic transformation programs.
How long does OGSM Framework take?â–¾
OGSM Framework typically takes 120–240 minutes.
How many participants does OGSM Framework work for?â–¾
OGSM Framework works best for groups of 4–15 participants.
What materials do I need for OGSM Framework?â–¾
To run OGSM Framework you will need: OGSM canvas template, sticky notes, markers, whiteboard or large paper.
How difficult is OGSM Framework to facilitate?â–¾
OGSM Framework is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Originally developed at Procter & Gamble; popularized in strategic management literature.