Why choose OKRs over other methods ?

The success of OKR method can be attributed to its major traits which makes it stand apart from other common methods such as KRAs or KPIs.

Listing down the Top 6 traits of the OKRs.

1. Crisp

KRs should be limited in nature in order to ensure sufficient focus. The emphasis should be to address the critical initiatives & ensure cross-functional alignment.

2. React fast

The idea is to ensure that weekly, monthly & quarterly reviews are assisting in checking the KRs progress & in case, there are quick learnings & roadblocks which needs to be addressed, the team should act fast to adjust accordingly.

3. Openness

Sharing your OKRs openly with all the relevant stakeholders ensures that both the teams are aligned. It also ensures that overall organizations’ objective are aligned throughout the various team.

4. Stretch Goals

It’s a common mistake to share the OKRs which are easily achievable & thus, teams’ potential remained under-utilised. There should be enough emphasis on audacious goals which seems stretched & require innovative approach towards the problem statement.

5. Outcome > Output

Usually teams mistake output as outcome & celebrate on completing the checklist. The focus of the team & its members should be towards delivering the final value . The efforts deployed on achieving the value are admirable but that doesn’t qualify the OKRs success criteria if the ultimate value derived doesn’t help in accomplishing organizations’ objective.

6. Clear accountability

Accountability is one of the key traits which makes OKRs a great success . Tough questions are being asked to the team which are held responsible for the outcomes. It is always encouraged to not only take the ownership but be accountable towards each of the measurable KRs.

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