How OKR framework and Agile Methods Work Together: A Framework for Success
OKRs (Objective and Key Results) and agile methodologies like Scrum have gained popularity in the world of business and project management. But how do these two approaches, OKR framework and Scrum, work together, and how can teams use them to achieve their business goals?
In this article, we’ll explore how OKRs and Agile methods can complement each other, providing a clear and measurable framework for teams to track progress towards their smart objective and aligning their work with the overall strategy of the company and product roadmap.
OKR methodology provides a long-term vision
Objective and key results (OKRs) are typically set on a quarterly basis and provide a long-term vision for the team or organization. By setting smart objective as the desired outcome, and key results as the measurable metrics that track progress towards those objectives, teams can have confidence in the OKR methodology to take them a step closer to their business goals. Objective and key result can also help teams prioritize their work, align with company strategy, stay focused and measure what matters.
Agile methodologies provide short-term execution plans
Agile methodologies like Scrum provide a framework for teams to plan and execute their work in short sprints, typically two to four weeks long. The Scrum framework includes ceremonies like sprint planning, daily standups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. These ceremonies ensure that the team is focused on the right work, has visibility into progress, and can adapt to changing priorities.
OKR framework and Agile work together to align smart objectives and measure what matters
Objective and key results provide a long-term vision and proof of success, while Agile methodologies provide a short-term execution plan. The two approaches work together by aligning the team’s work with the overall objectives and ensuring progress is made towards achieving them.
For example:
- During sprint planning, the team can apply the OKR framework to set the objective for the sprint and align the sprint backlog with the key results. This OKR then ensures that the work being done in the sprint actually contributes to the business goals, and measure what matters.
- During daily standups, the team can also use the OKR methodology to ensure that the work being done that day is aligned with the sprint goal and key results. This can then keep the team focused, measure what matters, and ensure that progress is being made towards the smart objectives.
- During the sprint review, the team can use their OKRs to evaluate progress made towards the key results and whether the sprint contributed to the overall smart objectives. This helps the team to reflect on their work and make improvements for the next sprint.
- During the retrospective, the team can use the objective and key results to set the goal for the next sprint and ensure that the work being planned aligns with the overall objectives. This provides directional focus for the team and ensures that progress is being made towards business goals and their long-term vision.
Key takeaway: Use OKR framework and Agile Methodologies Together
OKRs and Agile methodologies like Scrum can work together to provide a clear and measurable framework for teams to track progress towards their smart objectives and align their work with the overall strategy of the company and product roadmap. By using objective and key results in Agile meetings like sprint planning, daily standups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, teams can ensure that their work is contributing to the overall smart objective and making progress towards the long-term vision.
If you’re looking to improve your team’s performance and align your work with company strategy, consider using OKR methodology and Agile methodologies together. By doing so, you’ll be able to set clear smart objectives, execute with agility, and make progress towards your business goals.
