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4 OKR examples for Goal Setting

What are Goal Setting 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.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Goal Setting to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

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

Building your own Goal Setting OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
  • 3. Use natural language to describe your goals

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
  • 3. Click on "Generate analysis"

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Goal Setting OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Goal Setting 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!

1OKRs to implement effective and smart goal-setting strategies

  • ObjectiveImplement effective and smart goal-setting strategies
  • KRReview and refine goal-setting process after completion of each goal
  • TaskAnalyze the effectiveness of completed goal
  • TaskIdentify improvements for future goal-setting process
  • TaskImplement identified improvements in next goal plan
  • KRMonitor progress bi-weekly, ensuring 80% goal achievement rate
  • TaskDevelop report formats for bi-weekly updates
  • TaskSchedule bi-weekly progress review meetings
  • TaskCreate system to track 80% goal achievement rate
  • KRFormulate 2 new, measurable and achievable goals each week
  • TaskDetermine two realistic, quantifiable goals
  • TaskCreate plan with steps to achieve each goal
  • TaskBrainstorm personal or professional objectives for the week
Tability

2OKRs to establish an effective goal-setting framework

  • ObjectiveEstablish an effective goal-setting framework
  • KRResearch and identify three solid frameworks for goal-setting by week 2
  • TaskShortlist three effective and commonly used frameworks
  • TaskWrite a summary of each identified framework
  • TaskConduct online research on various goal-setting frameworks
  • KRPilot chosen framework on a small project by week 4
  • TaskIdentify a small project suitable for testing the framework
  • TaskImplement chosen framework into the selected project
  • TaskEvaluate framework functionality by the end of Week 4
  • KRRefine and finalize framework through stakeholder feedback by week 6
  • TaskGather initial stakeholder opinions on the preliminary framework
  • TaskEnsure final framework approval by stakeholders by week 6
  • TaskAdjust framework according to stakeholder suggestions

3OKRs to increase job productivity through effective goal setting and time management

  • ObjectiveIncrease job productivity through effective goal setting and time management
  • KRReceive positive feedback from supervisor on improved productivity
  • TaskImplement strategies or tools to enhance work efficiency
  • TaskRequest regular performance reviews from supervisor
  • TaskIdentify areas for productivity improvements during your work day
  • KRAttend time management training and implement strategies
  • TaskApply learned strategies in daily work routine
  • TaskEnroll in a time management training course
  • TaskContinually assess and adjust strategies for effectiveness
  • KRAchieve 95% completion rate of weekly tasks
  • TaskPrioritize tasks based on urgency and importance at the start of the week
  • TaskRegularly track task progress throughout the week and adjust plans accordingly
  • TaskAllocate specific time frames to each task for focused work sessions

4OKRs to implement effective cost goal setting process

  • ObjectiveImplement effective cost goal setting process
  • KRIdentify potential opportunities for cost savings across all departments
  • TaskAnalyze existing expenses for each department
  • TaskStudy external market trends for cost-saving chances
  • TaskEvaluate efficiency of current operational processes
  • KREstablish a tracking system for monthly cost performance against set objectives
  • TaskImplement and test the tracking system
  • TaskEvaluate current costs and define performance objectives
  • TaskChoose suitable cost tracking software
  • KRDecrease operational costs by 15% through optimized resource allocation
  • TaskDevelop an effective resource allocation plan
  • TaskTrain staff in resource optimization techniques
  • TaskIdentify areas with substantial resource wastage

Goal Setting OKR best practices

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.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR 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.

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 above). 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.

How to track your Goal Setting OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full 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

Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.

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.

More Goal Setting OKR templates

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