finance
OKR (Objectives and Key Results)
Goal framework: one ambitious objective paired with 3-5 measurable key results.
Definition
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) were created at Intel and popularized by Google. Structure: one qualitative Objective (the 'what'), 3-5 quantitative Key Results (how progress is measured). OKRs are aggressive - hitting 70% is considered success. They run quarterly, not annually. The discipline forces teams to define what success looks like in numbers, not vibes. Common mistake: writing tasks as KRs ('launch new website') instead of outcomes ('achieve 5% conversion rate on new website').
In your business
- →Quarterly OKRs, not annual
- →Key Results must be measurable - outcome, not output
- →Don't cascade more than 2 levels - founder/leadership OKRs and team OKRs is enough