Design Rules for OKRs

<ul> <li> Source: [ <a class="litnote tooltip" href="/literature/@doerr2018"> @doerr2018 <span class="tooltiptext"> Measure what matters: OKRs: the simple idea that drives 10x growth </span> </a> ] </li> <li> Tags: <a href="/tags/management-books"> #management-books </a> <a href="/tags/effective-management"> #effective-management </a> </li> </ul> <p> Although the general idea of OKR (see: <a class="wikilink" href="/literature/202112050837_definition_of_okrs/"> definition of OKRs </a> ) can seem clear, being able to successfully launch an OKR system within a company takes some effort, especially in designing the OKRs and how they are used. </p> <p> The first aspect that must be considered is that the OKRs should not be used as the metric for performance of individuals. Although this is repeated in [ <a class="litnote tooltip" href="/literature/@doerr2018"> @doerr2018 <span class="tooltiptext"> Measure what matters: OKRs: the simple idea that drives 10x growth </span> </a> ], little information is given on how to separate both concerns. </p> <p> Since Objectives are aspirational, it is better to make them always a stretch, or a <strong> BHAG </strong> (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). If you know you'll reach the objective with absolute certainty within a given timeframe, then this tools is not the appropriate one. </p> <p> Key Results must be quantifiable to the point where a number between 0 and 1 can be assigned to the level of completion. They can also be color-coded: 0-0.3 is red, 0.3-0.7 yellow, 0.7-1.0 green. </p> <p> <em> Google </em> aims for completion rates of around 0.7, the stretch is reaching to that 1.0. According to anecdotes, Doerr always wants to see <em> more red </em> in the boards. If everything is green, it means people is not being pushed enough. </p> <div class="admonition note"> <p class="admonition-title"> Note </p> <p> Although the rules are repeated through the book, almost all the examples given failed at following the guidelines, for example this Key Result: <em> Sustain current global progress to ensure the environment is conductive to eradication push </em> [page 132]. Is not measurable, and it sounds like an objective more than a result. </p> </div>