John Doerr's OKR Goal Setting Method

OKR Goal Setting Method (OKR)

This is a specific method for setting goals described “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr, which focuses on the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework.

Doerr, a venture capitalist, popularized OKRs after learning them from Andy Grove at Intel and later introducing them to Google and other major companies.

Analysis (Breakdown of Main Ideas)

Objective

What you most want to achieve (qualitative, ambitious, and inspiring). Your aspiration

Key Result

A result in the future that you will measure; it is a way to quantify progress and goal attainment.

OKR Method (Rationale)

• Create super simple and super motivating goals.

• Unambiguous; zero question about what goals are and whether or not goals are attained.

• Proven track record; see examples in Doerr’s books.

OKR Method (How To)

• Objective: For each role, figure out what you most want; this is your objective. Typically this statement is aspirational and qualitative (vague)

• Key Results: Write down three measurable items that quantify goal attainment.

• Analysis: Big goals can and should be broken down into subgoals.

Here is the template for an OKR goal

• Awesome result X (as measured by):
  • Measurable item 1
  • Measurable item 2
  • Measurable item 2

Examples

Wellness

• Healthy weight as measured by

  • Weight of 157 pounds to achieve a BMI below 22.
  • Healthy diet for 90% of caloric intake
  • Average of 40 minutes of workout with HR > 110 per day.

Awesome swimming as measured by:

1. Swim 100 yards in less that two minutes.
2. Swim 500 yards without stopping.
3. Do the breast stroke for 50 yards.

Marketing

Great sales as measured by

1. X new customers
2. Sales increase of $X.
3. Customer satisfaction ratings increase by X%.