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OKRs should be ambitious, yet achievable from "summary" of Measure What Matters by John Doerr
The essence of setting Objectives and Key Results lies in finding the sweet spot between ambition and achievability. The goal is not to simply aim high without a clear path to success, nor is it to play it safe by setting easily attainable targets. Instead, the key is to strike a delicate balance that challenges individuals or teams to stretch their limits while providing a realistic roadmap for reaching the desired outcome. When setting OKRs, it is crucial to push the boundaries of what is thought to be possible. Ambitious goals inspire creativity, innovation, and a sense of urgency that can propel individuals or teams to exceed their own expectations. By aiming high, organizations can unlock untapped potential and achieve breakthrough results that were previously unimaginable. However, ambition alone is not enough to ensure success. OKRs must also be grounded in reality, with a clear understanding of the resources, capabilities, and constraints that may impact the ability to achieve the desired outcomes. Setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration, demotivation, and a sense of defeat that hinders progress and undermines the purpose of setting objectives in the first place. To strike the right balance between ambition and achievability, it is essential to engage in open dialogue, feedback, and iteration when defining OKRs. By involving all relevant stakeholders in the goal-setting process, organizations can leverage diverse perspectives, expertise, and insights to refine objectives and key results that are both challenging and realistic.- The true power of OKRs lies in their ability to inspire and guide individuals or teams towards meaningful, impactful outcomes. By setting objectives that are ambitious yet achievable, organizations can harness the full potential of their talent, resources, and capabilities to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and success.
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