Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

We are all familiar with setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, but you may not be as familiar with setting Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). OKRs came out of Google, and it is a method of defining and tracking objectives and their outcomes. The focus of OKRs is connecting company, team and personal objectives to measurable results. The idea is aligning people so they can move together in the right direction.

Considering the Individuals Behind the OKRs

OKRs are designed to make sure each individual knows what’s expected of them at work, but what do you know about the individuals that you are attempting to align?

News flash, not all people think the same, move the same, or work the same. We all have innate preferences. Our brains are wired differently, and our focus is pulled in predetermined ways.

Aligning Teams With Awareness

Let me use myself as an example. Without awareness, I mainly focus on two aspects of any project or process—the big picture and getting things done; in doing so, I might also miss aligning my team and creating a detailed plan so that others can help me get those things done. Even though I prefer the beginnings and the ends of project, I do—with awareness—have the ability to take care of the middle steps, people and planning, equally well.

This would be good information for a manager to know about me. Why you ask? Well, there are a couple of reasons. One, if the manager knows this about me, she could add someone to my team who readily focuses on the areas that I prefer to overlook. Two, if the previous just isn’t feasible, then the manager could ensure that I put processes in place that will help me to slow down and make sure that I am attending to the people and the planning as part of my process.

5 Dynamics is not about limiting or pigeon-holing anyone. We believe that anyone can achieve anything, but we also believe that we all have neural pathways in our brains, some paths more efficient than others. We compare those neural pathways to super highways and back country roads—you can reach your destination either way, but the super highways will get you there faster.

The key is awareness. Knowing what comes naturally to you and what requires a little more work is what will make you successful. Knowing this about the people in your company is what will make your organization successful.

So whether you ascribe to the goals methodology or the OKR methodology, don’t forget about the people who are helping you achieve both.