OKR (Objectives and Key Results)
A goal-setting method that connects an Objective (what you want) to Key Results (how you measure progress). Used to steer experiments toward meaningful outcomes.
Definition
A goal-setting method that connects an Objective (what you want) to Key Results (how you measure progress). Used to steer experiments toward meaningful outcomes.
More context
OKRs translate strategy into measurable progress. In Strategic Growth Hacking, OKRs act as the guardrails: they keep experiments focused on outcomes that matter and provide a shared language for cross-functional coordination.
Why it matters
OKRs prevent growth work from drifting into unconnected tactics. They also make progress (or lack of it) visible.
How to use it
Set a meaningful objective, define a small set of measurable key results, assign owners, and run experiments that move the key results.
Common pitfalls
Setting too many OKRs, using vanity key results, or treating OKRs as a quarterly document rather than a living direction.
Related terms
- Objective (OKR) — In OKRs, the Objective is the qualitative goal you want to achieve. It’s supported by measurable Key Results.
- KPI (Key Performance Indicator) — A measurable number used to guide decisions and evaluate progress. The first step in the process is choosing a KPI that can be measured periodically.
- Owner — The accountable person for a metric, area, task, or experiment. Clear ownership prevents work from stalling.
- Testing cycle — A recurring cadence (often weekly or biweekly) where you run the four-phase process end-to-end and document learnings.