Episode 13

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Published on:

31st Oct 2023

OKRs in Context: Do OKRs co-exist with other methodologies?

One of the first jobs to be done when implementing (or rebooting) OKRs is to identify how they fit into an organization’s existing planning “stack” and get clear about what job they’re being hired to do.

This episode is based on chapter three of Sara Lobkovich’s upcoming book, The Evolutionary OKRs Playbook, which focuses on what is possible with Evolutionary OKRs®.

You’ll be introduced to the first of three models that Sara uses every day in her work with organizations implementing OKRs: the Connected Strategic® Implementation Stack. You’ll learn about each layer of this stack, how it applies to individual projects and initiatives, why some organizations may struggle with OKRs, and why you don’t necessarily need to have every element in the stack present to be successful.

Today’s episode offers you a chance to reflect on your organization's Strategic Stack, what elements might be most important to prioritize to increase shared meaning and understanding, and what elements you might want to consider adding to increase your organization’s strategic alignment and impact.

Be sure to stay tuned for future episodes on the other two models: Connected Strategy on a Page and OKR Maturity! 

Key Points From This Episode:

  •   Why it’s important to identify how OKRs fit into an organization’s existing planning stack.
  •   Three models to consider, starting with the Connected Strategic Implementation Stack.
  •   Unpacking each layer of the stack: strategic input, North Star Metrics, and more.
  •   Some of the typical sources of aversion to OKRs that Sara sees in organizations.
  •   Defining mandatory commits, health watch measures, and stretch goals.
  •   How delivery fits into the Connected Strategic Implementation Stack.
  •   Why you don’t need to tick every box in this stack in order to be successful.
  •   Stay tuned for more on the Connected Strategy on a Page and OKR Maturity models!

Also: don't miss out -- No BS OKRs Annual Reset Edition registration closes on November 5th, so if you'd like help with your 2023 retrospective and 2024 OKR creation, join us for this practical, applied, OKR creation workshop: http://findrc.co/nobsokrs

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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.

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Sara Lobkovich