Dakota Beerman

Have you ever thought, “I wish I could ____.” Make a million dollars, do amazing art, learn an instrument, get married, start that business – you name it!

Every year is littered with half-hearted attempts, dreams that remain in our minds, and tethered ambition ready to do cool stuff.

I want to show you how to make progress using a tool called OKR’s:

Objectives + Key Results

Objectives = ambitious goals that move team forward and are a common desired outcome

*think DIRECTION

Key Results = Incremental milestones to measure progress towards achieving your goal

Why use them? 

• Clarify decision making so that what is prioritized is pursued.
• Galvanize team energy
• Accountability
• Overcome obstacles

Peter Drucker’s version – (MBO) – Management by objective

Characteristics of Objectives:

• Aspirational (Idealistic) – “It’s ok to dream big”
• Not Measurable – “It’s ok to not be specific yet!”
• Not Time Bound – “Let go of time constraints”
• 5 or less – “If we chase everything – we chase nothing”

Characteristics of Key Results:

• Measurable – “Be specific!”
• Defined – “Realistic”
• Objective broken down into 4-6 steps
• Outcome is very clear

Example:

• Objective – Community garden will be created. 
• Key Results:

1. 50% nitrogen soil up from 40%
2. 90 out of 100 tomato plants from seeds
3. Activate irrigation system
4. Optimal PH for healthy soil from 7.3 to 6.5 but not less

Example:

• Objective – Create Employee experience so that all team member reach potential
• Key Results:

1. 80% understand company strategy
2. Employee engagement increases from 7% – 15%
3. Employee satisfaction increases from 60% – 80% based on survey results