Creating the optimal OKR goal setting is not that easy – even if this seems simple at first sight. Even in the standard literature or the websites of other OKR experts, examples of OKR sets are mostly not quite optimal or inconsistent if not even confusing. This shows that even some experts find it difficult to create optimal OKR sets. But how to create optimal OKR sets?
Sure, an Objective is an inspiring, qualitative and ambitious goal that describes what needs to be achieved. And a Key Result is a quantitative key outcome that describes how we get to the goal – clearly stating whether the goal was achieved. Both Objectives and Key Results describe the “outcome”, the benefit or value contribution, rather than the “output” or tasks.
What is the best way to start with OKR Goal Setting?
What is the best way to start? With the Objective or with the Key Results – or with the tasks or projects? The easiest way is to create tasks. With the Key Results it becomes more difficult – because these should not be tasks. We will tell you our best practice – so that you can easily create awesome OKR sets.
A. Start with the OBJECTIVE
- First formulate an Objective. Top-level objectives are derived from the corporate strategy or strategic initiatives – department and team objectives are derived from the key results of the level above.
- Then ask yourself how you want to measure the success of the Objective and create your Key Results until it is completely measurable.
- Then you can create associated Tasks.
- If you think of further Key Results, you can add them.
- Then you can review the Objective again and optimize it if necessary.
- After that you can optimize the Key Results and Tasks again.
B. Start with the KEY RESULT(S)
If you find it easier to start with the Key Results, then start with that. This is often the case when you want to optimize a KPI.
- Then you ask yourself why you want to do this and create your Objective with it.
- If necessary, you then create additional Key Results to make the success of the Objective fully measurable.
- Then you can create related Tasks.
- If you think of further Key Results, you can add them.
- Review the Objective again and optimize it if necessary. Then again the Key Results and Tasks.
C. Start with the TASK(S)
If it is easier for you to start with the Tasks, then start with them. Maybe you already have concrete Tasks in mind.
- Ask yourself why you want to do this and create your Key Results or your Objective.
- Ask yourself again and again why you want to do this – this way you come more and more in the direction of “Outcome”, benefit and value contribution.
- Step by step you can add further tasks and from this again further Key Results. Maybe you will come up with even better Tasks!
- Then you can examine the Objective again and if necessary optimize it further.
- Then again the Key Results.
via okrexperten.de
