What The Heck Is An OKR?
You’ve heard the acronym. You know it powered the growth of Intel and Google and is used by the world's most successful companies. But what is it, really? And how does it bridge the critical gap between strategy and execution?
This is the definitive, no-nonsense guide for leaders who need to understand the world's most powerful strategy execution framework—and determine if it's the right solution for their organization.
Is Your Strategy Stuck in a PowerPoint?
Your company has a brilliant strategy. But there's a huge gap—a canyon—between the goals presented in the boardroom and the actual work being done every day. This "Strategy Canyon" is the #1 reason great plans fail.
"Why are my best teams working so hard, but on the wrong things?"
"How do I get the organization to focus on the 3 things that truly matter, instead of 20?"
"How do I connect our multi-year strategy to the actual work happening on the front lines today?"
"How do I turn our strategic plan from a presentation into a real, measurable operating model?"
The Framework for Turning Ambition into Action.
OKRs are the bridge across that canyon. They are a simple, powerful system designed to connect daily work to company-wide strategy.
The Foundations of Flawless Execution.
This guide is designed to give you a complete, foundational understanding of the OKR framework in a single, quick read. We don't just define it; we show you how it works and why it's so effective.
The Simple OKR Formula
The elegant "We Will [Objective] Through/By [Key Results]" structure that forms the core of the entire framework
The Anatomy of a Great OKR
The crucial difference between an inspirational, qualitative Objective and a measurable, outcome-focused Key Result.
Why It's Different
How OKRs' focus on transparency, co-authorship, and a rapid quarterly cycle makes them more effective than traditional goal-setting methods.
The Problems It Solves
How a well-run OKR program breaks down silos, drives focus during rapid growth, and eliminates misalignment.
The Common Pitfalls
Why you can't just copy and paste a Silicon Valley approach—and the key challenges to be aware of before you start.
The Framework Trusted By Industry Leaders
“Very helpful OKR program - helped me as an OKR coach despite the challenges with current culture on lean and SMART personal objectives.”
“One of the business challenges we faced was achieving clear visibility around what others were doing, both within and between each business unit. We needed the right tool to track what they were doing, why they were doing it, and how the work led to actual outcomes.”
“Obagi is a very ambitious organization; we are executing quickly against many strategic priorities across several differentchannels. The OKR program put us in thesame boat rowing in the same direction. We have achieved a new level of focus as a team.”
The Anatomy of the OKR Framework
OKRs are more than just a goal-setting trend; they are a complete operating system for execution. This guide breaks down the core components, showing you not just what they are, but how they work together to create unparalleled focus and alignment in an organization.
1. OBJECTIVES: Setting a Clear, Inspiring Direction
An Objective is a qualitative, ambitious goal. It's not a number; it's a statement of intent that answers the question, "Where do we want to go?" This guide teaches you how to craft Objectives that are memorable and motivational, providing a clear north star for your teams.
2. KEY RESULTS: Measuring What Matters
A Key Result is a measurable outcome that proves you've achieved your Objective. It answers the question, "How will we know we're there?" Learn the critical difference between activity-based "outputs" and value-based "outcomes" to ensure your teams are focused on impact.
3. THE CYCLE: Building a Rhythm of Results
OKRs are not a "set it and forget it" tool. They operate in a fast, iterative cycle of aligning, executing, and learning. This guide introduces the quarterly rhythm that keeps your strategy agile and ensures your organization gets smarter and more effective over time.
Download all our step-by-step guides
The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide to Launching an OKR Program. Phase 1: Setup
The foundational 8-step framework to de-risk your program, establish governance, and secure executive buy-in before you write a single OKR.
The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide to Launching an OKR Program. Phase 2: Launch
The proven framework for executing a high-impact kickoff, certifying internal champions, and running the executive alignment workshop that forges true commitment.
The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide to Launching an OKR Program. Phase 3: The OKR Cycle
The complete playbook for mastering the OKR Cycle: Align your organization, execute with focus, and build the rituals that turn quarterly goals into measurable business results.
Stop Wondering. Start Understanding.
Clarity is the first step toward better strategy execution. Download the guide and get the foundational knowledge you need to decide if OKRs are the right solution for your organization.