OKR Framework (Objectives and Key Results)
A goal-setting framework that combines a qualitative objective with 1–5 quantitative key results that define what “met” means.
Explanation
- Objective — describes what needs to be achieved. Qualitative, directional, inspiring. “Increase customer retention.”
- Key Results — measurable outcomes that define when the objective has been met. Quantitative. “Achieve 90% CSAT by end of Q1.”
An objective without key results is a wish. A key result without an objective is an orphan metric.
OKR levels
OKRs cascade through three levels, each supporting the one above:
- Company / Organization — updated annually, shared across the org, support mission. Example:
- Obj: Increase customer retention by adapting to changing workplace environment
- KRs: 95% of phone/chat/email tickets resolved on first contact; top 3 requested new offerings in pilot by end of Q2; sales/support 24/7 by year end
- Department / Team — supports company OKRs. Example:
- Obj: Increase sales team presence nationwide
- KR: New offices open in 10 cities by year end
- Project — set during initiation; supports both company and department OKRs. Example:
- Obj: Enroll existing customers in the Plant Pals service
- KR: 25% of existing customers sign up for the Plant Pals pilot
Application
Project-level OKRs are defined during course-2-project-initiation and are typically included in the project-charter. They’re revisited throughout execution and used as the frame for impact reporting at closing.
Connections
- smart-goals — OKRs operationalize SMART thinking with explicit KRs
- project-charter — often contains project-level OKRs
- course-2-project-initiation