How to Plan Your OKR's

The Big Idea

_{The What: A TLDR of the idea}

Startups are often tempted to choose between Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) for measuring progress.

OKRs are a goal-setting system that define targets and measure progress towards them. KPIs for your startup are metrics that monitor performance of business.

They both feed into your mission and vision.

While OKRs can work wonders for larger corporations with over 1,000 employees, they often inject unnecessary complexity into smaller, more agile teams.

KPIs for startups, on the other hand, offer a streamlined, straightforward approach that aligns better with the startup ethos of speed and efficiency.

Deep Dive

_{The Why: 3 reasons why you should care}

1. Focus on What Matters 🤔 →

Unlike larger corporations that can afford to chase multiple objectives, startups should be laser-focused on a few key metrics.

Clear KPIs guide you toward what is mission-critical, eliminating the scattergun approach that dilutes effort and resources.

2. Instant Accountability 📕 →

KPIs offer immediate feedback. You'll know quickly if you're off course, allowing for instant adjustments.

There's no room for the blockers and “latent objectives” that often plague larger organizations.

3. Scaling with Precision 💹 →

As you grow, KPIs can be refined and expanded to suit your evolving needs.

You're not locked into a rigid framework, which means you can adapt without unraveling your entire strategy.

Tactical Advice

_{The How: 3 ways to implement}

1. No More Vague Goals 🎯 →

Start by spelling out what you want to achieve.

Ditch the corporate jargon and be super clear. Avoid the pitfalls faced by traditional firms, where even high-level objectives can be ambiguous or conflict with actual practices.

Everyone in the team should know the goals by heart and see how they connect to daily tasks. Make these objectives public with 1 assigned owner within your organization to foster a shared sense of purpose.

2. Stay in the Loop with Regular Check-ins ☑️ →

We get it; startups are a whirlwind. But, find time for quick weekly huddles.

Use tools to have live KPI dashboards in everyone's face.

No one should wonder, "How are we doing?"

3. Adapt on the Fly ✊ →

The beauty of KPIs lies in their flexibility. If a metric isn’t providing value, it should be refined or replaced.

KPIs are not set in stone.

They're meant to match your startup's ever-changing pace and goals.

Learn More

_{What Next: 3 resources to check out}