Increase alignment with Localized OKRs
Step by Step Guide
to your OKR Program
Phase 2: Align & Localize
The OKR Guide Series
Phase 2: Align and Localize
Overview
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Introduction
Welcome to the 2nd guide of our 4-guide series: "The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Your OKR Program - Phase 2: Align and Localize."
This highly anticipated sequel is an important resource for making your organization excellent with OKRs! You’ll get all the information and tools you need to set clear goals and stay aligned.
You’ll discover the important next steps in the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) program and learn the secrets of mastering OKRs as you reach important milestones, including the Executive Leadership Team workshop, setting ELT OKRs, making a townhall announcement, and navigating the OKR localization process measurable progress.
We still have two more guides coming up, so stay tuned! In Phase 3, called “Focus and Execute,” we’ll show you how to track and achieve your goals for great results. In Phase 4, “Reflect and Reset,” we’ll give you smart tips for looking back at what you’ve done, seeing how well you did, and setting new goals for even more success.
If you’re new to OKRs or missed the first guide about starting out, don’t worry! We suggest you check it out because it helps you get started and has tips for setting and managing OKRs. It’s especially good for people in charge of making sure things run smoothly (such as CEOs, COOs, or Business Process Owners of OKR Programs).
You can download it here: How to setup and launch OKR Program.
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What are we going to learn?
The second phase of the OKR program begins with the alignment and clarification of objectives and key results.
This is an important step in ensuring that all members of the organization are on the same page and working towards the same goals.
- Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Workshop
- Finalize ELT OKRs before publication
- Townhall Announcement of OKR Program
- OKR Localization Process
- Quarter Launch
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Phase 2: Align and Localize
1. Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Workshop
The first step in this phase is to conduct an Executive Leadership Team (ELT) workshop. During this workshop, the ELT will work together to finalize their own OKRs before they are published to the rest of the organization. This will involve setting clear and measurable goals, as well be used to track progress towards those goals.
2. Finalize ELT OKRs before publication
Once the ELT OKRs have been finalized, they will be announced to the rest of the organization through a townhall meeting. This will provide an opportunity for all employees to understand the goals of the organization, as well as how their own work contributes to those goals.
3. Townhall Announcement of OKR Program
Following the townhall announcement, the OKR localization process will begin. This will involve working with teams and departments throughout the organization to ensure that their own OKRs are aligned with the overall goals of the company. This will involve providing guidance and support to help teams set their own goals and key results, as well as providing resources and tools to help them track their progress.
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4. OKR Localization Process
The OKR Localization Process is a crucial step in the OKR program. It involves working with teams and departments throughout the organization to ensure that their own OKRs are aligned with the overall goals of the company. This process includes providing guidance and support to help teams set their own goals and key results, as well as providing resources and tools to help them track their progress. The goal of this process is to ensure that all teams are working towards the same objectives and that progress can be accurately tracked and measured.
5. Quarter Launch
Finally, the quarter will be launched with the full implementation of the OKR program. This will involve regular check-ins and progress updates to ensure that teams are staying on track and working towards their goals. With a clear focus on measurable results, the organization will be better equipped to track its progress and make course corrections as needed.
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Step 1: ELT Workshop
In the ELT Workshop, the leadership team takes a deep dive into the results of the Leadership Alignment Survey to confirm that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the strategic direction of the organization.
This is an important step, as it ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals and that there is a shared understanding of what needs to be accomplished.
The survey results can provide valuable insights into the current state of the organization, including areas where there may be misalignment or confusion. By discussing these results in detail, the leadership team can identify any potential roadblocks or obstacles that may prevent the organization from achieving its strategic objectives.
Once the strategic direction has been confirmed. the leadership team can begin to articulate the strategic intent in the form of one Objective per strategic theme. This is an essential step in the planning process, as it helps to focus the team’s efforts and ensures that all of the objectives are aligned with the overall strategic direction of the organization.
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The Objectives should be clear and concise, and should outline the specific actions that need to be taken in order to achieve the desired outcome. They should also be measurable so that the team can track their progress towards achieving them.
Once the Objectives have been established, the leadership team can then move on to creating KRs (Key Results) for each Objective. This is an important step, as it helps to ensure that the Objectives are measurable and that the team is able to track their progress towards achieving them.
The KRs should be specific and measurable, and should provide clear guidance on what needs to be done in order to achieve the Objective. They should also be challenging, but achievable, and should align with the overall strategic direction of the organization.
Pro Tip
To save time and increase availability, consider utilizing existing planning meeting for the ELT Workshop. It’s a good idea to plan for 4-8 hours for the workshop, as this will allow for sufficient time to thoroughly discuss and align on the strategic direction and objectives.
Conclusion
The ELT Workshop is an important step in the planning process, as it helps to ensure that the leadership team is aligned and working towards the same goals. By utilizing existing planning meetings and setting aside 4-8 hours for the workshop, organizations can save time and increase their chances of success.
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Step 2: Finalize ELT OKRs before publishing
Before publishing their OKRs, the leadership team focuses on finalizing the OKRs that were developed during the ELT Workshop.
This is an important step, as it ensures that the OKRs are inspiring to the organization and communicate the strategic intent clearly.
Following the ELT Workshop
The BPO (Business Planning Officer) works closely with the leadership team to ensure that the OKRs are finalized and ready for publication.
The BPO may provide guidance and support to the ELT as needed, helping to ensure that the OKRs are clear, measurable, and aligned with the overall strategic direction of the organization.
The BPO may also work with other members of the leadership team to identify any potential obstacles or challenges that may prevent the organization from achieving its OKRs.
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By identifying and addressing these challenges early on, the leadership team can ensure that the organization is able to achieve its goals and objectives in a timely and efficient manner.
Once the OKRs have been finalized, they are published from the OKR Canvas into WorksBoard, where they are made available to the entire organization. This allows everyone to see the goals and objectives that the leadership team has set, and to understand their role in achieving them.
Pro Tip
Instead of following complex strategic planning processes, the ELT should focus on creating easy-to-understand, clearly measurable OKRs that set the tone for the organization. Less is often more in this case, as too many topics can be overwhelming and lead to confusion. By focusing on the core priorities and eliminating unnecessary topics, the ELT can ensure that the OKRs are clear and inspiring to the entire organization.
Conclusion
The finalization of OKRs is an important step in the strategic planning process. By working closely with the BPO and focusing on clear, measurable OKRs, the leadership team can set the tone for the organization and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. By publishing the OKRs in a central location, such as WorkBoard, the leadership team can ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to help the organization achieve its goals and objectives.
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