Objectives inspire. Key results prove.
OKRs work when they measure outcomes and get checked every week. Set-and-forget OKRs are just quarterly wishes.
Set and forget
OKRs That Rot
- Outputs as key results
- Too many objectives
- Reviewed only at quarter end
- Tied to bonuses, so targets go soft
Checked weekly
OKRs That Live
- Outcomes as key results
- Three objectives at most
- A weekly confidence check
- Honest grading, then learning
Objective: Customers manage their own phone system with confidence
Example
Weak KR: Launch the self-service portal.
Strong KR: A set share of routing changes happen through self-service, not support calls.
Source: What Matters ↗
Few goals. Checked weekly.