Introduction to OGSM

OGSM: one-page plan

OGSM is a framework for creating a focused plan. In a single overview, you can see what you want to achieve and what you need to do to get there. The plan consists of four components:

• Objective: What is our shared dream?
• Goals: How do we make the objective specific and measurable? How high do we set the bar?
• Strategies: What key choices do we make to achieve the objective?
• Measures: What specific results do we pursue and how do we measure our progress? What exactly will we do and when?

The letters OGSM stand for these four components: Objective, Goals, Strategies, and Measures.

Objective: the shared dream

The objective is the organization's big dream. What do you want to achieve together? A good objective provides direction and energy. For the objective, you use the format '[WHAT] by [HOW]'. In the first part, you describe the why of your plan. In the second part, you describe how you want to achieve this goal in broad terms. The objective gives direction to all stakeholders.

Goals: specific and measurable results

The goals are directly related to the objective. They specify what you mean exactly with the objective. This way, everyone has the same vision in mind. The goals also make the objective measurable and determine how high you set the bar: when exactly will you be satisfied? With the goals, you determine at the end whether you have (fully) achieved the objective. If you have achieved all goals, then you have realized the objective.

You can include one or more goals as prerequisites. These are not linked to the objective, but are still necessary.

Strategies: the route to achieving the objective

What choices do you make to achieve the objective? Where do you deploy your people and resources? The strategies form a roadmap to reach your objective.

But to prevent you from blindly pursuing the objective, they must also address the challenges you face. This way, you strengthen the organization's capabilities and reduce its vulnerabilities. And this way, you capitalize on opportunities in your environment and ward off threats.

KPIs: monitoring results

The KPIs form a dashboard that shows whether you're moving fast enough and whether you're still on track. They show whether the actions are producing the right results, so you can adjust your plan in time. Therefore, they must be measurable periodically.

The KPIs are linked to a strategy, make it specific and measurable, and indicate with a target value which outcome will satisfy you.

Actions: getting started

What exactly will you do to achieve the desired results? The actions are linked to a strategy and form a specific action plan to achieve the desired results.

The action must clarify what needs to happen and when. An action therefore has a start date and deadline. Each action also has an owner who is responsible for its execution.