Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are rapidly becoming industry standard practice - provides customer value based focus as motivational tools for teams and leaders. But they can be misused and incorrectly implemented. At Agilistic we have spent many years working with our clients to structure and implement highly effective OKRs which set the tone and direction for everything they do.
So why do leaders get it so wrong?
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are rapidly becoming industry
standard practice - provides customer value based focus as
motivational tools for teams and leaders. But they can be misused
and incorrectly implemented. At Agilistic we have spent many years
working with our clients to structure and implement highly effective
OKRs which set the tone and direction for everything they do.
So why do leaders get it so wrong?
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are rapidly becoming industry
standard practice - provides customer value based focus as
motivational tools for teams and leaders. But they can be misused
and incorrectly implemented. At Agilistic we have spent many years
working with our clients to structure and implement highly effective
OKRs which set the tone and direction for everything they do.
So why do leaders get it so wrong?
Commercially Driven, Not Customer-Centric
Leaders often focus OKRs on internal business metrics, neglecting customer needs. OKRs should be primarily focussed on solving customer pain points which in turn leads to commercial success.
Customer-focused OKRs balance commercial goals with delivering value, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Lack of Clear Alignment with Strategy
OKRs can fail when not linked to long-term strategy, leading to misaligned efforts that don’t support the organisation's vision.
Aligning OKRs with strategy ensures every effort supports long-term business goals.
Setting Vague or Overly Ambitious Objectives
Broad or unrealistic objectives cause confusion and lack actionable steps, making it difficult for teams to focus and achieve meaningful results.
Well-defined, realistic OKRs provide clarity and focus for achieving meaningful results.
Failure to Define Measurable Key Results
Vague key results prevent progress tracking. Leaders may mistake tasks for outcomes, hindering the ability to measure success effectively.
Clear, measurable key results allow progress tracking and more informed decision-making.
Top-Down Imposition Without Involvement
Imposing OKRs without team involvement reduces ownership and motivation. Collaborative OKR setting drives engagement and accountability for achieving goals.
Collaborative OKRs foster ownership, accountability, and greater team motivation.
Treating OKRs as an Performance Tool
Linking OKRs to personal performance encourages safe goal-setting, undermining ambition and the innovative, stretch-goal nature of OKRs.
OKRs focused on stretch goals promote innovation and ambition without fear of failure.
The Most Powerful and Effective OKR Framework
01. Setting Objectives
Ideally you have the product teams, leaders and stakeholders in participation for the first part. Therefore all are aligned, especially when it comes to negotiating priorities, but also to help build motivation and autonomy for teams.
02. Key Results
We send stakeholders and leaders away whilst we then work with each product team to create key measures for each objective
03. Ideation and Review
This is an opportunity to review the backlog and work coming down the track. How much is new work likely to drive OKRs? and then prioritised accordingly
04. Playback and Alignment
The final part of the workshop is for everyone to reconvene and playback agreed OKRs with target measures and revised backlog.
OKR Mastery: Home Learning Kit
A self-paced learning kit designed to empower individuals and teams to master OKRs at home and drive meaningful results.
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Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anywhere, ensuring continuous development without disrupting daily routines.
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Immediate Application: Practical templates and real-life examples allow for immediate use of OKRs in personal or professional contexts.
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Boost Confidence: Master OKR concepts independently, increasing confidence to apply these principles effectively in your workplace or team.
OKR Power Day: Client Workshop & Strategy Session
A powerful full-day workshop that equips teams to create, align, and implement OKRs tailored to their business goals.
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Team Alignment: Ensure everyone is on the same page with clear, aligned objectives that support the organisation’s strategy.
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Immediate Implementation: Leave the workshop with fully developed OKRs ready to drive execution within your team.
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Expert Facilitation: Benefit from expert guidance throughout the day, ensuring your OKRs are ambitious yet achievable, driving measurable results.
Take a Look At Our
OKR Insights
The Perfect Client Experience
"They find the opportunities, learn the business, and its complexities, supporting our people to find the right way to move forward. We wouldn't be where we are today without their expertise and support."
Claire Ellison
Head of Transformation, BT PLc
“They have a passion for Agile and helping leaders and teams make the leap they often don't know they need to make, or how to make it!"
Global Delivery Lead, HSBC Plc
Darren Mellor
“Working with Agilistic has been truly refreshing and inspiring; as a senior leader it has provided me with the opportunity to really think about the shape of my team, understand the challenges we face."
Head of Customer Decisioning, BT Plc
Leana Kielkowicz