The added value of having strategy sessions facilitated annually for managers and their teams

You don't make a good strategic plan once. It lives and changes with it. In this blog, you'll learn why it's smart to host an external OGSM session with your team every year. For more direction, ownership and impact.

Why an external strategy session every year helps your team move forward

Your team is working hard, the agendas are full and everyone is busy with projects, customers and targets. But when do you really take the time to reflect on the course together? Not fleeting in an MT meeting, but with attention, structure and focus?

An annual strategy session is not a luxury. It's a time when you and your team decide: where are we, where do we want to go and what do we let go? In this blog, you can read why having such a session facilitated has so much added value.

1. Fresh perspective & independence

An external facilitator looks at your organization from a distance. Where you yourself may be stuck in the daily rhythm or existing discussions, someone from outside is asking the questions that bring sharpness:

• Does your ambition still match what the organization needs?

• Where is energy and where is resistance?

• Are goals still measurable and achievable?

This neutral position ensures openness. No management vs. team, but working together.

2. Focus on the process, not just the content

Too often, strategy is discussed when no one really has the time. And when the conversation finally takes place, someone from the team must also supervise the session.

An external facilitator provides structure and dynamism. So that you and your colleagues can think along, help build and sympathize, without having to watch the clock.

‍3. Rhythm and reflection: refocus every year

The world is changing. Markets move, customer needs shift, teams grow or change. That is why it is important to reflect on your OGSM annually.

What worked last year? Where were goals achieved? Where did it crash? A strategy session provides rhythm, realism and renewed focus.

4. Team involvement and ownership

You can't make a good plan on your own. By including the team in the ambitions and choices, ownership is created. Employees know what they are contributing to and why it matters.

The OGSM method helps with this: you bring goals, strategies and actions together on one clear page. No big plans, but a concrete compass for the whole year. Want to know more about OGSM as a strategic model?

Check out our explanation page here about the OGSM model whether read more about our pragmatic approach here.

5. From inspiration to implementation

A good session doesn't end with post-its on the wall. The result is a clear plan that provides direction and is executable. With concrete goals, clear strategies, measuring points and actions, all on one page.

This prevents energy and ideas from evaporating as soon as everyone dives back into daily operations. Ready to get started on your own?

Download our OGSM template for free: To the OGSM template

Conclusion

Strategy is not a one-off exercise, but an ongoing process. An annual session helps you stay on track, stay sharp and bring the team along. Let yourself be guided, opt for structure and make making plans again something that gives you energy.

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Would you like to know more about our approach and how to apply OGSM in your situation? click here whether contact us.

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