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Key Results

Key Result Definition​

Key Results align with Objectives. By performing the calendar event OKR KPI Aligned an Objective gets a Key Result to become an Objective and Key Result ("OKR").

Within the OKR framework, Key Results are the measurable milestones that define success for a given Objective. They are the "how" to the Objective's "what," providing specific, time-bound, and quantifiable targets that track progress toward the desired outcome. Key Results are not tasks or activities but rather the results or outcomes that demonstrate achievement. They should be challenging yet realistic, aligned with the overall strategy, and provide a clear indication of whether the Objective is being met.

The Key Result that best aligns with your Objective may not exist yet. It is the OKR Owner's responsibility to either use an existing KPI or develop a key result methodology to track the Objective on a weekly basis. Either way, they should be specific and measurable.

info

WeSalute KPIs, found at kpis.wesalute.com, is an excellence source of vetted and professional metrics.

tip

Objectives can have multiple Key Results ("KRs") to define success.

Key Results Best Practices​

  • KRs are Measurable: Unlike Objectives, which are qualitative and aspirational, KRs must be quantifiable and trackable. They use metrics, numbers, or percentages to demonstrate progress.

  • KRs Define Success: KRs provide the specific benchmarks that determine whether or not the associated Objective has been achieved. They answer the question "How will we know if we've succeeded?"

  • KRs are Time-Bound: KRs have a deadline or timeframe within which they should be achieved. This creates a sense of urgency and allows for measuring progress over time.

  • KRs are Outcome-Focused: KRs should focus on the outcomes or results, not just the activities or tasks. They measure the impact of the work rather than simply tracking completion.

  • KRs Should be Challenging but Achievable: KRs should stretch teams to perform at their best but should also be realistic and attainable within the given timeframe.

  • KRs Should be Limited in Number: Too many KRs can lead to a lack of focus. It's generally recommended to not have more than 3 KRs per Objective.

  • KRs Should be Transparent: KRs should be visible to everyone on the team and within WeSalute, promoting transparency and accountability.

  • KRs are Reviewed and Updated Regularly: Progress towards KRs should be tracked and reviewed weekly, allowing for adjustments and course corrections as needed.

  • KRs Enable Learning and Growth: Even if a KR is not fully achieved, the process of tracking and analyzing progress provides valuable insights and lessons for future goal-setting and planning.

tip

The best Key Results have a number in them. They use a numercial value.

Key Result Structure​

Due Date​

The due date for a Key Result aligns with the end of the current Operational Excellence Cycle quarter. While it's possible to set an earlier due date, it's not advisable to set overly ambitious timelines. Importantly, the due date must be before the "End of Quarter Started" event for that quarter's Operational Excellence Cycle.

Key Results Measurement​

A Key Result is either to increase or decrease an aligned KPI.

  • Increase
  • Decrease

Key Result Target​

The Objective Key Results are updated during the weekly event OKR Check-in Performed.

  • Starting Value : Value of the Key Result beginning at Beginning of Quarter.
  • Current Value : Value of the Key Result during the same day as OKR Check-in.
  • Target Value: The Objective's goal value for the published OKR.

Key Result Type​

  • Number ("#")
  • Percentage ("%")
  • Currency ("$")

Key Result Weight​

Key Results have importance and these are reflected back to the weight of the key result. Most of the time this will be set to 1x, but if it is determined that a Key Result is doubly as important as another one it's weight can be set to 2x, or 3x, and so on. Weighting Key Results should only be used when an Objective has more than 1 KR and it is determined that one KR is "more important" than the others.

  • 1x (Default Weight)
  • 0.25x
  • 0.5x
  • 2x
  • 3x
  • 4x