The best companies don’t leave growth to chance, and neither should you. This is the first of three articles on how to borrow proven company strategy frameworks for your personal ambitions. First up: OGSM.
If I could hand you just one planning tool, it would be OGSM. It fits on a single page. It connects your biggest dream to what you’ll do on a Tuesday afternoon. And it’s been a quiet powerhouse behind some of the world’s best-run companies for decades, including P&G, where I first saw it in action while leading agency work for the brand.
What OGSM stands for
- Objective: one inspiring, qualitative statement of what you want to achieve.
- Goals: a few specific, measurable results that prove you got there.
- Strategies: the choices you’ll make to reach your goals. Where you’ll focus, and just as important, where you won’t.
- Measures: the numbers you’ll track along the way to know each strategy is working.
How a company uses it
A brand team might write an objective like “Become the most loved brand in our category.” Goals put numbers on it, like market share and household reach. Strategies choose the path, like winning with younger families or launching a new product line. Measures track the progress every month so the team can adjust fast.
How you can use it
Here’s a real-life example I love. Say your objective is a healthier, more energized year.
| OGSM | Company example | Personal example |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Become the most loved brand in our category | Feel strong, energized and present this year |
| Goals | Grow share 2 points by year end | Run a 10K by October and sleep 7+ hours most nights |
| Strategies | Win with young families; launch a new line | Train with a friend; protect a 10 p.m. bedtime |
| Measures | Monthly share and trial rates | Workouts per week and average hours of sleep |
An objective without measures is a wish. Measures without an objective are just busywork. OGSM gives you both.
Build your OGSM in 30 minutes
- Dream first. Write your objective in one sentence. Make it exciting enough to get you out of bed.
- Pick 2 to 3 goals. Make them measurable and give them a date.
- Choose 3 to 4 strategies. These are your big moves. Keep the list short.
- Assign a measure to each strategy. Something you can check weekly or monthly.
- Put it where you’ll see it. Fridge, desk, phone lock screen. Visibility is half the magic.
Make it a family affair
OGSM works beautifully for families, too. Try a family objective like “Laugh more, stress less and make memories together.” Then let everyone help choose the goals. Kids love tracking progress, especially when there’s a celebration at the finish line!
Ready to build your own plan? Let’s connect! We’ll start with a Discovery Session and map your first move together.
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