Objectives and key results are more than just the latest industry buzzwords. This method of goal setting is proven to raise engagement and promote a happy workforce – just ask the people at Intel, Google, LinkedIn and any other business that uses OKRs. The leaders of these companies are the first to proclaim how much goal setting has improved their organizations. Try implementing OKRs if you see any of these five issues at work:
“OKRs get employees thinking about their future.”
1. Your Employees Keep Performing at the Same Level
If your employees seem to lack ambition, OKRs might be the thing they need to kickstart their desire for growth. OKRs get employees thinking about their future, focusing them on their career aspirations and their role within the company. These goals are designed to push employees and encourage them to rise above their current level of success.
2. Your Employees Are Directionless
Maybe members of your staff want to advance to the next level, but they’re not quite sure how to get there. OKRs guide your staff toward achieving their goals and progressing in their careers. The objectives themselves are specific, aspirational and time-bound, specifically detailing what needs to be accomplished. Meanwhile, the key results are measurable and detail how you’ll achieve them.
3. Your Employees Aren’t Engaged
Sadly, many people report being unfulfilled at work. They view their jobs as simply a means to an end, one that allows them to provide for themselves and their family but offers no emotional benefit. OKRs combat this viewpoint by getting employees engaged in their own goal setting. They aren’t bound only to the needs of the company they work for. Instead, your staff sets their objectives based on their own career aspirations.
4. Your Employees Don’t Know How Important They Are to Your Business
This idea falls alongside a lack of engagement. Sometimes employees don’t understand how crucial they are to the success of your company. They don’t see how their work contributes to the business as a whole, and this lack of awareness leads them to slack off or do only the bare minimum.
OKRs are designed to be transparent, meaning anyone within your organization can see the goals of their peers. This lets employees see how their objectives reflect those of the company as a whole, giving them insight into how they fit within the business.
5. Your Business Isn’t Progressing
Even if your employees are engaged and have a sense of direction, your business won’t grow unless they strive to achieve more than what they’re comfortable with. OKRs help employees set goals that are ambitious yet attainable, increasing both engagement and productivity.