Our first OKR cycle started off strong, our OKR coach introduced the concept and methodology to our team, we had the review and retrospective based on our previous metrics, and began the planning session...this is where things got a little fuzzy. Disclaimer, we're okay with fuzzy, and it is usually necessary to learn and try something new...however, after our first 2 planning sessions left us with 1 so/so objective and no Key results. The team wasn't clear on the big picture of how OKRs, our product roadmap, KPIs, product vision, outcomes, and outputs all connected. We needed a reset. Everyone was coming from a good place and cared deeply yet things weren't clicking.
Our team scrum master, OKR coach, and I talked to team members to gather feedback and ideas for adjustments. We decided a few things needed to be more clear - starting with me writing a more inspiring and direct product vision to represent our short-term and long term goals. Then we needed to better explain the link of KPIs and OKRs - OKRs to us mean, every 3 months, we identify measurable strategic goals based on customer needs...while KPIs are the long term metrics for business viability like sales, customer satisfaction, etc. ...OKRs are the outcomes we hope to achieve for our customers with our product and the KPIs are the impact these outcomes have on our business viability. Our final change was adapting the facilitation techniques of the meeting, this included, our OKR coach adjusting her approach with an emphasis on more guidance than questions, time boxes for brainstorming, raise hand for comments instead of using the meeting chat, and everybody sharing their ideas before we start open group discussions.
In the end we finished with 2 solid OKRs, each with 2 key results that the team believes in and shaped! BUT, none of this isn't possible without the feedback session we had to adapt the approach. Here's a few tips and insight into what made our feedback session successful...
The Feedback Session
Radical Candor and Constructive Insights
During our session, everyone exemplified the principles of radical candor. Honest, thoughtful feedback was provided, making the implicit explicit. This approach allowed us to clearly identify areas for improvement without feeling criticized or defensive. By focusing on behaviors and processes rather than pointing fingers, we were able to have a productive and forward-thinking discussion.
A Shared Commitment to Improvement
One of the most inspiring aspects of the session was the shared commitment to continuous improvement. Everyone came to the table with a genuine desire to enhance our planning process. It was mentioned how much the collective approach was appreciated, highlighting that it felt more like a collaborative effort than a blame game. This sentiment resonated deeply with all of us and underscored the importance of working together to solve challenges.
Energizing and Inspiring Outcomes
The feedback session left me feeling energized and inspired. The constructive nature of the conversation and the shared dedication to betterment created a positive atmosphere that fueled our motivation. We entered our next planning session with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of how to achieve our goals.
Looking Ahead
As we move into future OKR planning sessions, we do so with the confidence that we are on the right track. The insights gained from the feedback have provided us with a solid foundation to build upon. We are better equipped to set realistic, impactful objectives and to identify the key results that will drive our success.
In conclusion, this experience has reinforced the value of open communication, honest feedback, and collaborative problem-solving. We are excited to continue refining our OKR process and to achieve great things together. Here’s to many more successful planning cycles!
Until next time,
T