Objectives and Key Results

Objectives and Key Results, or OKRs, combine a qualitative, directional Objective with a small set of measurable Key Results. The Objective describes the desired state; the Key Results provide testable evidence of progress towards it. OKR is a goal-setting and learning system, not a complete strategy process or a shared task list.

Use OKRs when a small number of priorities need to be made transparent, teams aligned, and progress assessed through measurable results rather than activity lists.

Key Results are written as projects, milestones or tasks. OKRs are also misused as individual performance ratings or multiplied until they no longer create focus.