Over the past 2 years, I’ve been working as Program Management lead at Metamap.com, helping to set up OKR framework among other things. As challenging as just working with OKRs is, we are a distributed team, spanning from PH / SG to the very west coast and even Hawaii 🙂

The common issues we’ve found and discovered led me to creating this blog post. So without further ado, It’s time to delve into the captivating world of OKRs – Objectives and Key Results. These are the guiding stars that lead your organization to its true north. Embarking on this journey can sometimes make you feel like you’re treading choppy waters. In today’s post, we’ll chart a map of these common pitfalls and equip you with an Agile compass to help navigate with confidence.

OKRs: Refresher Just to ensure we’re all aboard the same ship, let’s quickly recall that OKRs comprise two main elements: Objectives – your ambitious goals, and Key Results – concrete, measurable steps to reach those goals. Sounds simple, but as anyone who’s navigated a maze will tell you, the reality can be trickier.

1. Lack of Understanding and Training: Picture this: A soccer team trying to score a goal, but half the players think they’re playing basketball. The result? Chaos, and certainly no goals scored. An unfamiliarity with OKRs can lead to a similar mismatch in your organization.

Solution:

• Organize detailed training sessions explaining the OKR framework.
• Explain the difference between Objectives (qualitative goals) and Key Results (quantitative measures).
• Bring or be an OKR coach to guide your team, explaining how to formulate effective OKRs.
• Conduct workshops with hands-on exercises for creating and aligning OKRs.
• Share examples of successful OKRs from other organizations for reference.

2. Misalignment of OKRs: Imagine a choir where each member sings a different song. The result? A far cry from harmony. Misaligned OKRs can create a similar dissonance in your organization.

Solution:

• Use Scrum Events or Agile ceremonies like sprint planning and retrospectives to align OKRs.
• During sprint planning, ensure each team’s OKRs align with the company’s main objectives.
• In sprint Reviews, review OKR performance and realign as necessary.
• Encourage cross-departmental communication to avoid working in silos. Try having multiple-team Sprint Review, where each measures their contribution towards the Key Result!

3. Setting Unrealistic Key Results: We all love superheroes, but expecting to fly like Superman is unrealistic (unless you’re wearing a VR headset!). Similarly, Key Results that aim for the moon without a rocket can leave teams feeling disheartened.

Solution:

• Use Agile’s principle of incremental progress.
• Set smaller, achievable Key Results aligned with each sprint goal.
• Measure progress after each sprint, adjusting targets as necessary.
• Ensure teams have the necessary resources and support to meet their Key Results.

4. Overcomplicating OKRs: Ever tried to solve a Rubik’s cube while bouncing on a pogo stick? It’s overwhelming! Similarly, complex or excessive OKRs can feel like juggling flaming torches.

Solution:

• Keep OKRs simple and lean, following the Agile spirit.
• Limit the number of OKRs for each team to keep focus sharp.
• Make sure each Key Result is specific, measurable, and time-bound.
• Review and simplify OKRs regularly to ensure they remain manageable and meaningful.

5. Poor Communication and Transparency: Imagine playing a game of telephone with a 5-meter long tin can string. The message is going to get a little garbled, right? Poor communication can lead to similarly distorted OKRs.

Solution:

• Leverage Agile communication practices such as daily stand-ups and sprint reviews.
• Use these platforms to discuss OKR progress and address any issues.
• Maintain a transparent OKR dashboard where everyone can see each team’s Objectives and Key Results.
• Ensure leaders actively participate in OKR discussions, providing clarity and encouragement.

There you have it! Remember, every journey encounters a few storms, but with the right Agile compass, your OKR ship can weather any challenge. Keep sailing, and soon your organization will shine like a polished gem!

I’d would love to hear about your OKR journey. Have you faced any of these challenges? How did you steer your ship back on course? Share your experiences in the comments section!

Until our next adventure, keep your sails high, and navigate with confidence! Happy OKRing, folks!