How to Fail with OKRs #1: Start with KPIs

How to Fail with OKRs: Start with a List of KPIs

One of the fastest ways to mess up your OKRs program is to start with a list of KPIs and then try to decide which ones should become Key Results. It sounds logical. And many smart teams (including me in my early days!) can fall into this trap.

This episode explains why starting with KPIs can deraily your OKRs program and how the right way is to start with values and critical thinking rather than a list of metrics.

Early in my own OKR journey, I made this exact same mistake!

I began sessions by showing teams standard industry KPIs and asking them to choose which ones should be their Key Results. I thought I was adding value, but in reality, I was limiting their thinking.

This episode introduces the distinction between alternative-focused thinking and value-focused thinking and shows how this concept applies directly to drafting OKRs. To make this practical I share a simple example from everyday life involving how we choose something as ordinary as salad dressing. Do we begin with the available options or do we begin with what really matters to us

You will learn how starting from existing metrics can trap teams into maintaining what they already measure instead of improving what truly matters. I describe two clear warning signs that your OKR drafting process may be broken and driven by alternative thinking rather than value driven clarity.

I also share a real coaching example with a marketing team that illustrates the shift from focusing on existing email metrics to identifying what truly mattered improving the return on investment of major marketing events. By stepping back from the list of available metrics the team realized they needed to establish a new baseline measure rather than rely on existing dashboards. This led to a more meaningful and strategically aligned Key Result.

The core message is simple. KPIs are useful but they should not drive your OKRs. OKRs should begin with vision priorities and values then identify the right Key Results to measure progress.

If you want your OKRs to drive real improvement rather than simply track activity this episode will help you rethink how you begin.

As always, contact me via Ben@OKRs.com or post a comment here.