Mastering OKRs: The 3 Overlooked Factors that Are Essential for successful OKRs
Mastering OKRs: The 3 easy to overlook factors essential for OKRs success
No matter where you stand in your OKRs journey, maintaining a focus on the right aspects is absolutely crucial. In this blog post, we will shed light on a few elements that may have slipped under the radar but hold great importance.
These tips (hidden gems) are often overlooked, undervalued, and, unfortunately, misunderstood aspects that are absolutely essential for achieving success with OKRs. Not only do they unlock a deeper understanding of OKRs, but they also play a pivotal role in their effective implementation and utilization.
Focus on delivery instead of change
One of the original intentions of OKRs has always been about introducing a change. Building better organizations, embarking on ambitious ventures, and fostering a culture of innovation that births exceptional products. These ambitions form the bedrock of your OKRs journey — a starting point that immediately resonates.
It falls short if you focus on delivery (as you might have been accustomed to). You will likely end up with more of the same. Sometimes, that is exactly what you aim for, but you don’t need OKRs.
Change what you do and the very “how” it is accomplished. But most importantly, focus on using OKRs to introduce change into your whole organization. Empower your teams to embrace this paradigm shift autonomously. Products and services providing tangible difference will follow.
Focus on outputs instead of outcomes
This particular aspect is seldom a centerpiece in early training or discussions during your initial quarters. Outputs are masked with good intentions, but the power of OKRs lays with a focus on measurable impacts. While this notion may seem akin to the previous point, it serves as a pivotal transition from a mere list of tasks, developments, or completions.
The important part is to tune your mindset into thinking in the consequences of what you will do and where you want to end up.
A valuable tactic to distinguish between outputs and outcomes involves posing the question, “So what?” This litmus test provides clarity — being able to answer this query indicates a clear outcome and forms a great foundation for a solid Objective.
Focus on too many OKRs
This scenario is far from unfamiliar, it’s a trend we’ve encountered countless times. When we discover a new concept or tool, we dive in headfirst and sometimes go overboard. Unfortunately, this excessive enthusiasm can backfire, rendering the tool counterproductive.
For instance, take the case of OKRs. Going overboard by introducing too many Objectives or Key Results can scatter our focus and hinder progress.
Nevertheless, a slight overshoot can be beneficial, highlighting areas that need improvement. These areas, however, often mask themselves as problems with organization, execution, or priorities. Identifying their true source requires heightened awareness and open communication.
Instead, consider beginning with a more modest approach — 1 Objective and 2 Key Results are plenty. As you gain confidence and establish effective processes, you can gradually introduce more Objectives. This method ensures that you use these tools effectively to drive your success.
Mastering OKRs: The 3 Overlooked Factors that Are Essential for successful OKRs was originally published in ableneo People on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.