Do you want an OGSM plan that really works? With this practical OGSM example, we show how to move from long-term goals to concrete actions. No bulky reports or endless spreadsheets, but a clear one-page plan that inspires your team and provides direction.
OGSM.com has helped us a lot in setting up a clear multi-year strategy and effectively translating it to our divisions and business units. With their guidance, our MT has not only turned the strategy into action, but also implemented a process that allows us to continuously improve and continue to focus on our shared goals in a result-oriented way.
OGSM has really given us direction and structure. Our teams now understand better how they complement each other and where their own responsibility lies. The cooperation with OGSM.com went smoothly; they challenged us, got us excited and had a great eye for who we are as an organization. Thanks to their guidance, we now have plans that everyone supports and that really help us move forward in daily practice.
OGSM helps me and my teams transform annual plans into a clear, concrete framework that provides direction throughout the year and allows us to manage effectively. As a director at Port of Moerdijk and now at Leidingenstraat Nederland, I’ve experienced the power of this structured approach firsthand. Our OGSM.com advisor helps us refine our goals and ensures our plan remains up-to-date and results-focused. This turns it into a dynamic tool that truly drives our organisation forward.
Together with OGSM.com, we drew up a sharp and supported plan in a short time. The OGSM method helped us to make ambitions concrete and clarify priorities. She asked the right questions and provided structure without losing the pace. Prior to the process, OGSM.com also held interviews with internal and external experts, so that we could immediately include best practices. The result is a clear compass for our team in the coming months.
OGSM.com support was exactly what we needed. He not only helped us bring focus to our 2025 strategy, but also to make sharp choices that really fit where we want to go as an organization. The sessions were structured, energetic and gave us the clarity to continue building together. Thanks to his guidance, there is now a concrete plan that everyone feels ownership of. The implementation of our strategy is now in full swing!
With guidance from OGSM.com, our team has significantly improved its collaboration. By focusing on a single, clear, and ambitious Objective, we now have a clear vision and roadmap for the years ahead. OGSM keeps us on track during planning and helps us focus on what truly matters. The result is a goal-oriented approach that allows us to move forward with confidence. Highly recommended for teams looking to seriously improve their strategy and results.
Within our organisation, OGSM has been embraced as a strategic management tool. The fresh and independent perspective provided during the process was incredibly helpful in facilitating the right discussions without getting bogged down in lengthy debates. I would highly recommend OGSM.com if you’re looking for a partner and method to take your strategic planning and execution to the next level in your organisation.
At Crest, we strive for personal leadership in the maritime sector. Before our collaboration with OGSM.com, we struggled to define a clear strategy. Thanks to OGSM.com, we now have an inspiring and focused strategy that challenges us to think bigger and act with more purpose. They also helped us formulate measurable initiatives, enabling us to effectively engage our stakeholders in the mission and execution of our plan. If you're considering working with OGSM, I'd definitely recommend OGSM.com!
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What is an OGSM?
OGSM stands for Objective, Goals, Strategies, and Measures. It is a proven framework to make your strategy concrete and measurable.
With an OGSM plan you know:
• What you want to achieve (Objective)
• Which goals make it measurable (Goals)
• How you will realize success (Strategies)
• How you track progress and execution (Measures)
In this example, we use the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to make an OGSM concrete.
Step 1: Objective – your long-term goal
The Objective is your overarching goal and provides direction to all your activities.
Your goal can be short term (1 to 2 years) or longer term (3 to 5 years). In general, we advise formulating the Objective for the longer term.
OGSM example Objective WWF:
“Global conservation of nature and biodiversity by working with local partners and governments to fight for nature gains.”
A strong Objective is:
• Clear and concrete
• Inspiring for everyone involved in the plan
• Guiding for your strategies and actions
Step 2: Goals – concrete and measurable
Goals translate your Objective into concrete, measurable results. Use SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
OGSM example Goals WWF:
• Reduce the list of endangered species by at least 50%
• Actively engage 1,000 partner organizations and 3,300 volunteers in conservation and education programs
Tip: be ambitious, but keep it achievable and measurable.
Step 3: Strategies – how will you achieve your goals?
Strategies describe the route to your goals. Choose 3–5 core strategies for focus and impact.
OGSM example Strategies WWF:
• Strengthen partnerships
• Raise financial resources
• Increase awareness through education
Example elaboration of the education strategy:
“Raise awareness of the importance of nature for people and animals through educational campaigns and up-to-date teaching materials.”
Strategy is about choosing from many good options: focus on what has the most impact.
Step 4: Measures – monitor and steer
Measures show whether your strategy is on track and which actions are needed.
Dashboard Measures (KPIs):
• ≥ 300 media mentions
• 30% increase in social media engagement
Action plan:
• Develop a public campaign strategy
• Increase engagement among younger audiences through collaboration with influencers
Make sure every action has an owner and a deadline. This way you can effectively steer execution.
Start today with this OGSM example
Would you like the full version of this fictional OGSM example for WWF? Contact us and we’ll send it to you.
With this OGSM example you’ll know exactly how to create a clear strategy plan, formulate measurable goals, and bring focus to your organization.
Free OGSM Template
Download our free OGSM template and immediately create your own strategy plan.
Want to learn more about OGSM and strategic planning?
Check out our short videos and practical examples to implement OGSM successfully in your organization.
We have developed various OGSM templates for you for various formats that you can easily download here.
You fill out an OGSM by going through four parts step by step:
1. Objective — formulate a clear long-term ambition.
2. Goals — make that ambition measurable with 3 to 5 concrete goals.
3. Strategies — determine the most important choices to achieve those goals.
4. Measures — add KPIs and actions to measure and execute progress.
Preferably use a template and involve your team for support and ownership.
An OGSM cycle usually lasts 12 months and follows the rhythm of the annual plan. The OGSM itself is set up at the start, with quarterly reviews to measure progress, adjust actions and learn. Some organizations work with a biannual update, but the basis often remains valid for one year and is cyclically tightened.
OGSM and OKR are both methods for translating goals into results, but differ in design and application. OGSM stands for Objective, Goals, Strategies and Measures and provides a complete strategic plan on one page including direction, choices and actions. OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results and focuses primarily on ambitious, measurable quarterly results, without a fixed strategy or action plan. OGSM is suitable for organizations that want to connect direction and implementation. OKR is ideal for short cycle focus and alignment.
Yes, the OGSM model is suitable for companies of all sizes and industries. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, OGSM helps you clarify goals, implement strategies, and achieve results.
The OGSM model is popular because it:
• Provides structure: It offers a clear and easy-to-understand framework.
• Enhances effectiveness: It emphasises measurable results.
• Boosts engagement: Teams collaborate to achieve shared goals.
OGSM helps organisations translate their vision into concrete actions, driving improved performance and teamwork.
