5 OKR examples for Business Operations Team

What are Business Operations Team OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Business Operations Team to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read more about the OKR meaning online.

Best practices for managing your Business Operations Team OKRs

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRs

Tip #2: Commit to the weekly check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples below). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

Building your own Business Operations Team OKRs with AI

While we have some examples below, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. There are 2 options available to you.

Best way to track your Business Operations Team OKRs

Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

Business Operations Team OKRs templates

We've covered most of the things that you need to know about setting good OKRs and tracking them effectively. It's now time to give you a series of templates that you can use for inspiration!

You will find in the next section many different Business Operations Team Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to amplify efficiency and scalability of Business Operations' internal processes

  • ObjectiveAmplify efficiency and scalability of Business Operations' internal processes
  • Key ResultIncrease team's operational efficiency by 25% through process automation and training
  • Key ResultReduce operational delays and errors by 30% via enhanced internal quality controls
  • TaskMonitor and assess performance for continuous improvement
  • TaskTrain employees on revised operational procedures
  • TaskImplement stringent quality control checks at each stage
  • Key ResultExpand the volume capacity by 20% through better resource allocation and staffing strategies
  • TaskReview current resource allocation for efficiency improvements
  • TaskImplement optimal staffing strategies to increase productivity
  • TaskSource additional resources to accommodate 20% volume increase

OKRs to increase revenue efficiency across all business units

  • ObjectiveIncrease revenue efficiency across all business units
  • Key ResultReduce operational expenditure by 10% to maximize net revenue
  • TaskStreamline processes to minimize redundant labor costs
  • TaskImplement energy-saving measures to decrease utility costs
  • TaskNegotiate better terms with suppliers to cut procurement expenses
  • Key ResultStreamline all revenue-generating processes to increase efficiency by 20%
  • TaskTrain team in streamlined processes and new software
  • TaskIdentify current inefficiencies in revenue-generating processes
  • TaskImplement technological solutions to automate manual tasks
  • Key ResultIncrease average revenue per user (ARPU) by 15%
  • TaskOptimize pricing based on customer buying behaviors
  • TaskImprove user experience to boost customer engagement
  • TaskDevelop targeted upselling strategies for high-value customers

OKRs to strengthen operational self-sufficiency and resiliency within the business

  • ObjectiveStrengthen operational self-sufficiency and resiliency within the business
  • Key ResultImplement two new business continuity plans
  • TaskTest and refine the proposed business continuity plans
  • TaskDevelop two separate strategies that address these risks
  • TaskIdentify potential risks that could disrupt business operations
  • Key ResultIncrease emergency fund savings by 25%
  • TaskSet up automated monthly transfers to emergency fund
  • TaskAnalyze current budget and identify unnecessary expenses
  • TaskGenerate additional income through side jobs
  • Key ResultTrain 90% of the team on new operational procedures for better autonomy
  • TaskImplement follow-up assessments to ensure competency
  • TaskOrganize comprehensive training sessions for team members
  • TaskDevelop simplified documentation of new operational procedures

OKRs to scale the team by hiring and onboarding key talent to support business expansion

  • ObjectiveExpand the business by scaling the team with quality personnel
  • Key ResultHire and onboard 3 experienced sales executives
  • Key ResultEnhance team diversity by 20% via targeted recruitment strategy
  • Key ResultReduce time-to-fill open positions by 50% through process improvement
  • Key ResultRecruit and integrate 2 seasoned marketing specialists

OKRs to embed security consciousness in business operations

  • ObjectiveEmbed security consciousness in business operations
  • Key ResultReduce security breaches by 25% through rigorous employee training
  • TaskImplement mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees
  • TaskSchedule regular refresher courses on data protection
  • TaskUpdate security policies and disseminate to staff
  • Key ResultEstablish a quarterly security audit to identify potential vulnerabilities
  • TaskSchedule regular audits with a professional auditor
  • TaskDefine the scope of each quarterly security audit
  • TaskCreate a process to address identified vulnerabilities
  • Key ResultAchieve 100% compliance on mandatory security awareness training by all employees
  • TaskOrganize regular training sessions for all personnel
  • TaskMonitor and document each employee's training progress
  • TaskDistribute security awareness training materials to all employees

More Business Operations Team OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

OKRs resources

Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.