What are OKRs?

What are OKRs?

Hi, my name is Ryan Panchadsaram, and along with John Doerr, we founded WhatMatters.com – a resource to help leaders set and achieve their most audacious goals. I also work with John and Kleiner Perkins to find and fund truly disruptive entrepreneurs and their companies.

Together, John and I advise a lot of organizations in OKRs – from technology companies, to nonprofits, to airlines and hospitals – to clothing companies and NFL teams.

We’ve seen them used well at startups all the way to organizations with more than 100,000 people.

And in the end when used well, OKRs help leaders lead.

One of the first things I encountered when working with John was his infectious enthusiasm for OKRs. And I have to say, it makes sense! I’ve personally seen OKRs help organizations achieve seemingly impossible things.

OKRs explained

So what exactly are OKRs?

OKRs stand for Objectives and Key Results, and OKRs are an important part of your vocabulary for leadership. When everyone on the team has a common vocabulary for what matters, it helps teams make better decisions.

Because every day, we hear from teams struggling to turn strategy into action:

• Too many priorities.
• Conflicting priorities.
• Failing to work together.

It can all be frustrating.

What are these teams all missing? Clarity. That common language for success. That’s one thing OKRs provide.

OKRs help teams set goals

OKRs link goals to the team’s broader mission. They steer us to goals that expand our limits and move us to strive for what might seem beyond our reach. And your entire organization plays an active role.

After taking our course, you’ll be able to write OKRs, use them with your team, and measure your progress.

Mastering OKRs can give your teams superpowers.

And here’s the best part: it’s a framework anyone can learn.

Clarity is a powerful motivator, and OKRs will help you achieve it across your organization.

I am so glad you’re here.

Let’s get started.