What is the OGSM Canvas?
The OGSM Canvas is a vital strategic planning tool that originated from the business world of Japan and further developed by multinational companies like Procter & Gamble. It stands for Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures. This innovative canvas provides a systematic and visual approach to defining and achieving your objectives.
- Objectives: The ultimate, qualitative end-goal of your organization.
- Goals: The quantitative metrics to be achieved that contribute to the fulfillment of your objectives.
- Strategies: The various pathways or approaches your organization will adopt to reach the set goals.
- Measures: The quantitative metrics to determine if your strategies are on track and achieving the desired results.
This integration of strategic components ensures consistency between your vision and action, creating a roadmap that drives growth and success.
What is the Outcome of the OGSM Canvas?
The outcome of employing the OGSM Canvas is a clear and aligned strategic direction for your organization. By combining qualitative objectives with quantitative goals, strategic pathways, and performance measures, you achieve strategic clarity and focus.
The OGSM Canvas ensures your strategies are tightly aligned with your objectives, which, in turn, enhances performance efficiency and effectiveness. The outcome is not only a successful achievement of your goals but also a culture of transparency, alignment, and accountability within your organization.
Who’s the OGSM Canvas for?
The OGSM Canvas caters to a broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in strategic planning and execution. From start-ups seeking to map their strategic direction, SMEs planning to expand, to multinational corporations striving for increased alignment and focus, the OGSM Canvas is an invaluable tool. Furthermore, it is ideal for strategic consultants, business analysts, and decision-makers who need to ensure consistent alignment between strategy and execution.
How to use the OGSM Canvas?
To effectively employ the OGSM Canvas, follow these steps:
- Define your Objectives
Start by outlining your qualitative objectives. These should resonate with your mission and vision, providing direction to your organization.
- Set your Goals
Identify the quantitative goals that will contribute to achieving your objectives. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Develop your Strategies
Craft the strategies your organization will pursue to reach the set goals. Each strategy should clearly contribute to one or more of your goals.
- Outline your Measures
Identify the metrics that will track the success of your strategies. These measures should be quantifiable, directly linked to your strategies, and provide clear evidence of progress or success.
Through this process, the OGSM Canvas enables the organization to seamlessly transition from strategic planning to effective implementation.
What does it take to use the OGSM Canvas?
Using the OGSM Canvas requires a deep understanding of your organization’s vision and mission, along with the capacity to set SMART goals and develop strategic pathways. While it is relatively straightforward to use, it requires critical thinking and strategic foresight.
The time it takes to effectively use the OGSM Canvas varies depending on the complexity of your business and strategic objectives. Typically, the initial setup could be accomplished in a few days with a dedicated team of strategic planners, business analysts, and key decision-makers.
Frequently asked questions
As a rule of thumb, reviewing and updating your OGSM Canvas should be done at least annually. However, in the case of significant strategic shifts, market changes, or unforeseen circumstances, a more frequent review may be necessary.
Absolutely. Each goal can (and often should) have multiple strategies. Each strategy should be designed to contribute significantly to achieving the respective goal.
In general, it is beneficial to keep your objectives limited and focused. One overarching objective that aligns with your organization’s mission is often enough. Too many objectives can dilute your strategic focus and make execution more challenging.
Every goal, strategy, and measure in your OGSM Canvas should directly contribute to achieving your objective. By continually asking how each component relates to and supports the others, you can ensure alignment and consistency across your OGSM Canvas.