Strategy Category

The PGE (Portfolio-Growth-Efficiency) Strategy Framework Template

The PGE Framework breaks strategy into three pillars: Portfolio, Growth, Efficiency. Free downloadable template to implement in your business.

StrategyPunk

22 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

he PGE (Portfolio-Growth-Efficiency) Strategy Framework Template - Free PDF and PPT Version

Three Pillars for Strategic Success

Most strategies fail in execution.

Companies have plans. They lack focus. They try to do everything at once.

The PGE Framework fixes this.

It gives you three clear pillars: Portfolio, Growth, and Efficiency. Each pillar has specific actions. Each pillar needs enablers to work.

Let me show you how it works.

What is the PGE Framework?

PGE stands for Portfolio, Growth, and Efficiency.

Think of it as a tripod. Remove one leg and it falls. Keep all three in balance and your strategy stands firm.

Here's what each pillar does:

Portfolio = What you play in Growth = How you win Efficiency = How you sustain wins

Origin (One Symrise Strategy)

The Three Pillars

Pillar 1: Portfolio

This pillar answers: Where do we compete?

Your portfolio determines your future. You need discipline here.

Key actions:

Manage your portfolio with intention
Balance global reach with local focus
Pick your niche and own it
Allocate capital across business units
Review your portfolio twice per year

Example: You run 20 business units. Some make money. Some don't. Portfolio management means killing the weak ones and feeding the strong ones.

No emotion. Just data.

Pillar 2: Growth

This pillar answers: How do we expand?

Growth without direction burns cash. You need focus.

Key actions:

Go deep with customers
Innovate from your core strengths
Create solutions competitors can't copy
Target adjacent markets first
Set clear growth targets (like 15% organic revenue growth)

Example: You sell software to banks. Your adjacent market is insurance companies. Not restaurants. Not fashion brands. Insurance companies use similar workflows.

That's adjacent market expansion.

Pillar 3: Efficiency

This pillar answers: How do we protect margins?

Growth costs money. Efficiency preserves it.

Key actions:

Drive operational excellence across all functions
Control your value chain end-to-end
Manage expenses with discipline
Optimize procurement
Consolidate shared services
Cut overhead that doesn't drive value

Example: You target 300 basis points margin expansion. You find it through procurement savings, service consolidation, and overhead reduction.

Not through cutting muscle. Through cutting fat.

The Enablers

The three pillars need support. That's where enablers come in.

People and Values

Your team executes strategy. Hire right. Train well. Live your values.

Sustainability

Build for the long term. Short-term wins that damage the future aren't wins.

Digitalization

Technology multiplies effort. Use it to scale faster and operate better.

How to Use the PGE Framework

Step 1: Assess where you are

Rate yourself on each pillar (1-10)
Be honest about gaps
Identify which pillar needs most work

Step 2: Choose your focus

You can't fix everything at once
Pick one pillar as your priority
Set 2-3 actions per pillar

Step 3: Build enablers

Invest in people
Embed sustainability
Deploy digital tools

Step 4: Review twice per year

What worked?
What didn't?
What changes do you need?

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Ignoring one pillar All three pillars matter. Focus on growth while ignoring efficiency and you burn cash. Focus on efficiency while ignoring growth and you shrink.

Mistake 2: No discipline Frameworks need rigor. Biannual reviews aren't optional. They're required.

Mistake 3: Forgetting enablers Great strategy with poor execution fails. Invest in your people, sustainability, and digital capabilities.