Skip to content

OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

OKRs, or Objectives and Key Results, is a framework for goal-setting and performance measurement commonly used in businesses and organisations. The methodology helps teams and individuals align their efforts towards achieving common objectives. The approach divides objectives into two components:
 
  1. Objectives: These are qualitative and define what one wants to achieve. Objectives are often broad, ambitious, and inspirational.
  2. Key Results: These are quantitative metrics used to measure progress toward the objective. Key results should be specific, time-bound, and verifiable, so it's clear whether they have been achieved or not.
The OKRs methodology aims to create alignment and engagement around measurable goals, making it easier for organisations to communicate and achieve their strategic and operational objectives.

Key results should be specific, time-bound, and verifiable, so it's clear whether they have been achieved or not.

The OKRs methodology aims to create alignment and engagement around measurable goals, making it easier for organisations to communicate and achieve their strategic and operational objectives.

Origin of the OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

The OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) methodology is often attributed to Andrew Grove, who introduced the approach during his time at Intel. The framework gained wider recognition and adoption after John Doerr, a venture capitalist who had worked at Intel, presented it to other companies and included it in his book "Measure What Matters." Therefore, while Andrew Grove is credited with the initial development and internal corporate use of OKRs, John Doerr played a significant role in popularising the methodology beyond Intel.
Trevor O'Sullivan

Trevor O'Sullivan

General Manager. Since the early 2000s, Trevor has worked with thousands of Talent Management professionals to develop and apply assessment-based talent management solutions for selecting, developing and managing people. Trevor is an active member of the TTI Success Insights (TTISI) Global Advisory Council, contributes to TTISI product development and is a regular presenter at TTISI-R3. He is honoured to have received multiple Blue Diamond Awards and, more recently, the Bill Brooks Impact Award recognising his contributions to the TTISI global network.

We Would Like to Hear From You (0 Comments)

Newsletter Sign-Up

Designed For You

Going out every 3 weeks, the Science of Self™ newsletter brings interesting, fresh and topical content to professionals in Talent Management, Human Resources, Learning & Development, People & Culture, Organisational Development, General Management and Consulting.

Welcome to Science of Self™

Our knowledge centre holds over 400 articles shared through the Science of Self™ newsletter. The topics are relevant to the fields of talent management, human resources, organisational development and business growth.

As the title suggests, we take an evidence-based approach to sharing content about people in the context of work. If you like what you see, consider signing up below!

Knowledge Centre Home

    The Future of Work

    Looking for a practical guide to help you rewire your business for the future of work?

    Read More