Episode 9

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Published on:

16th May 2023

KPIs vs. OKRs: What's the difference between KPIs and Key Results?

What's the difference between a KPI and an OKR? And specifically, what's the difference between a KPI and a Key Result? Here's a simple answer, with examples, to help make this concept easy to understand.

You’ll find out what defines KPIs, KRs, stretch goals, and commits, what they mean, how they impact businesses, and how they overlap. We discuss the problems caused by confusing these terms, which can lead to damaged trust, safety, and a reduction in employee engagement. We even use Sara’s personal health and well-being KPIs and KRs as an example to help you understand the differences! So, to hear all about KPIs and KRs and to be reminded of the importance of using clear language, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

  • What a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is and what it means. 
  • What Key Results (KR) are and what job we hire them to do. 
  • When might a KPI become a KR?
  • An example of the differences between KPIs and KRs, using health and well-being measures as an analogy.
  • What’s different about when we miss our goals on commits vs. Key Results (and why – in our definition – a KPI is never “missed,” but may be headed in the wrong direction)
  • Some organizational issues that can arise when language is not used clearly.
  •   What “Commits” are and why there should be few of them in our aligned goal models.
  • Some things you should ask yourself as we approach our mid-year reset.

For more information on any of the above, find me at http://redcurrantco.com or email hello@redcurrantco.com. 

Show notes and transcript are available at http://thinkydoers.com .

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird Access

Are you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

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About the Podcast

Thinkydoers®
Leadership and career when you're at odds with mainstream business culture
Thinkydoers®, hosted by Strategy Rebel and OKR Coach Sara Lobkovich, is a community for unconventional leaders, status-quo challengers, and workplace “square pegs.” Thinkydoers are individuals who navigate the journey from insight to idea, through the messy middle, seeking courage and confidence to bring their visions to life.

Thinkydoers are a diverse group. We're disproportionately (but not exclusively) introverted and/or neurodivergent, and regardless of personality or cognitive wiring, Thinkydoers are strategic thinkers often underserved and misunderstood in traditional business cultures. Whether you’re a leader, an aspiring leader, or a behind-the-scenes “clutch player,” Thinkydoers aims to help you find more satisfaction, less frustration, and greater flow in your work.

Learn to unlock your inner strategist with No-BS OKRs. Then, explore topics way beyond goal-setting, including strategy, behavior change, cognitive health, and motivation. Our guest episodes feature a wide range of perspectives to support you in building the work/life you want most.

Increase your impact, reduce overwhelm, avoid burnout, and make the unique impacts only you can bring to the world. Here, you’ll discover how to build and maintain a fulfilling career and lead transformative efforts with significant outcomes, all while putting human outcomes first.

About your host

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Sara Lobkovich