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4 OKR examples for Technical Skills

What are Technical Skills 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.

OKRs are quickly gaining popularity as a goal-setting framework. But, it's not always easy to know how to write your goals, especially if it's your first time using OKRs.

To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Technical Skills. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.

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

Building your own Technical Skills 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 Technical Skills OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Technical Skills Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to master new relevant technical skills

  • ObjectiveMaster new relevant technical skills
  • KRApply newly learned skills in 3 different ongoing or upcoming projects
  • TaskEvaluate improvements and performance after applying new skills
  • TaskIdentify projects where new skills can be effectively implemented
  • TaskStrategically incorporate newly learned skills into project roles
  • KRComplete at least two comprehensive technical courses in my industry
  • TaskResearch relevant technical courses within the industry
  • TaskRegularly attend and complete all course requirements
  • TaskEnroll in two chosen comprehensive courses
  • KRScore at least 85% on all post-course assessments or certifications
  • TaskCreate a thorough study plan for each course's material
  • TaskAllocate dedicated daily study periods
  • TaskSeek assistance for topics you struggle with
Tability

2OKRs to improve the UX team's design and technical skills

  • ObjectiveImprove the UX team's design and technical skills
  • KRIncrease weekly training hours by 25% within the team
  • KRAchieve a 15% improvement in project completion time
  • TaskEnhance team communication and collaboration
  • TaskStreamline processes to remove unnecessary steps
  • TaskImplement effective project management tools
  • KRImplement two skills-based workshops or seminars per member
  • TaskSchedule two workshops/seminars per member
  • TaskDevelop curriculum customised to member's needs
  • TaskDetermine skills focus for each workshop or seminar

3OKRs to develop the skills and knowledge of junior data scientists

  • ObjectiveDevelop the skills and knowledge of junior data scientists
  • KREnhance junior data scientists' ability to effectively communicate insights through presentations and reports
  • TaskEstablish a feedback loop to continuously review and improve the communication skills of junior data scientists
  • TaskEncourage junior data scientists to actively participate in team meetings and share their insights
  • TaskProvide junior data scientists with training on effective presentation and report writing techniques
  • TaskAssign a mentor to junior data scientists to guide and coach them in communication skills
  • KRIncrease junior data scientists' technical proficiency through targeted training programs
  • TaskProvide hands-on workshops and projects to enhance practical skills of junior data scientists
  • TaskMonitor and evaluate progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions
  • TaskDevelop customized training modules based on identified knowledge gaps
  • TaskConduct a skills assessment to identify knowledge gaps of junior data scientists
  • KRMeasure and improve junior data scientists' productivity by reducing their turnaround time for assigned tasks
  • KRFoster a supportive environment by establishing mentorship programs for junior data scientists

4OKRs to boost efficiency and effectiveness of Prod Support/Service desk

  • ObjectiveBoost efficiency and effectiveness of Prod Support/Service desk
  • KRImplement a training program to enhance technical skills of support staff by 35%
  • TaskImplement training program and monitor progress
  • TaskDefine key technical skills needing enhancement among support staff
  • TaskSelect or design a comprehensive training program
  • KRReduce average ticket resolution time by 25%
  • TaskImplement mandatory customer service efficiency training for all staff
  • TaskIntegrate AI-based automation tools in ticket resolution process
  • TaskStreamline communication channels between departments
  • KRIncrease customer satisfaction rates related to issue resolution by 15%
  • TaskImplement weekly training on conflict resolution for customer service representatives
  • TaskRegularly monitor and improve the issue resolution process
  • TaskDevelop an efficient, user-friendly online system for complaint submission

Technical Skills 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

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

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

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

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 Technical Skills OKRs

The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. 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

We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.

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 Technical Skills OKR templates

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