OKRs - A Primer

If you want to set clear, actionable goals that get results, you should consider using OKRs.

Here a quick primer.

What are OKRs?

• OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results.
• Companies have used OKRs like Google, Netflix, Twitter, and Dropbox to set goals and track their progress.
• Use this OKR framework to set individual goals or company-wide goals.

Writing OKRs

• Define what you are trying to accomplish ( objective)
• Define three ways that layout how you will achieve the objective (key results)

Defining Objective

• Make it ambitious but achievable - push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
• Make it clear - will you be able to know when you have achieved it?
• Make it should be actionable - if you can't do anything about it, it's not worth considering.

Define Key Results

• Make measurable - you'll want to track this; make sure you have access to the data.
• Make them outcomes - what is the impact of this activity?
• Make them time-bound - be clear about when these activities will take place.

Example OKR for a Marketing Manager

Objective

• Add 500 net new subscribers in Q2 2021 through email marketing

Key Results

• Create two additional blog posts per month to promote in the newsletter.
• Drive 100 newsletter signups per week with an acquisition cost of $5 through a paid marketing campaign.
• A/B test different subscription promotions in the newsletter weekly.

I hope you enjoyed this short primer on OKRs. The internet is full of helpful resources if you are interested in learning more about them.

‍