You probably have a lot of goals you would like your business to achieve. Even though you may understand what the vision for your company is in the long-term, what are the goals you are setting and how are you going to get there? You need the individual pieces of your company to work together to produce the results you are looking for. That is where objectives and key results, commonly shortened to OKRs, can be helpful. If you are able to put OKRs to work for you, you can make sure your company, your managers, your teams, and your employees are all on the same page. If you would like to get the most out of your OKRs, you need to be able to track them effectively. How can you do exactly that?

First, it is important to understand where OKRs came from. They originated at Intel and were made popular by Google when this company was first getting off the ground. Google had so much success with OKRs that the idea of objectives and key results began to spread to other companies in the SaaS industry. Now, there are numerous companies throughout multiple industries that put objectives and key results to work for them. Many of them are leaders in the industry. Therefore, a lot of companies continue to use OKRs today, making sure the employees of their company are on the same page. 

So, if you are wondering how to track OKRs, what are some of the most important points you should keep in mind when it comes to OKR tracking? Traditionally, companies use templates to help them keep track of the OKRs they are trying to measure. For example, they may use an OKR template PDF that can be shared with other team members in the department or company. Or many companies like to use an OKR template Google Sheets because multiple people can edit this document at the same time. Furthermore, people can also see how they are doing with respect to others. 

Even though using an OKR Google example can be helpful, it is better to use a solution that has been specifically designed to track objectives and key results. Even though it might be possible to get away with Google Sheets or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for a while, this is going to get old quickly. In order for companies to maximize the benefits of objectives and key results, they should use a specific OKR solution. With access to a detailed solution, it is possible for managers, employees, and executives to see how various departments are doing with respect to meeting their overall goals. 

OKR Examples

Before we take a look at how to track objectives and key results, it may be helpful to take a closer look at a few examples of OKRs. When it comes to OKR examples, it is important to take a look at a few real OKR examples, so everyone understands how to put objectives and key results to work for them. This includes OKR examples for growth. When it comes to company OKR examples, these are a few helpful ideas that everyone should follow. 

For example, one key objective might be to increase your contract value by 10% by the end of the quarter. What are some of the ways to do exactly that? One key result could be increasing the number of users per account if you are a user-based pricing model. This could entail Customer Success meeting with every customer that has gone over their user seat limit to discuss upsell opportunities on the account. Finally, the New Business team could try to include a new feature in 25% of deals to ensure they are selling a contract that meets the new ACV standards. This could be one helpful OKR example for companies that are looking to increase growth. 

Today, a lot of companies are looking to increase the focus on sustainability. Therefore, some companies may want to create lower carbon footprints with respect to other companies in the industry. Companies that are able to establish sustainability programs may be able to endear themselves to their customers. What are some of the key results that can help companies get there? The company may want to reduce waste with respect to supply chain and shipping infrastructure by 100 percent. The company may want to increase the amount of compostable material that it uses by 50 percent. The business may also want to increase the percentage of biodegradable material it uses by 75 percent.

If you would like to establish strong OKRs for your company, you may want to take a closer look at the Measure What Matters OKR template. That way, you can figure out exactly what should be included when you are writing your objectives and key results. With clear lines, instructions, and ways to track your objectives and key results, you can set yourself up for success in the future. 

OKR Dashboard

You are probably looking for a way to keep track of your objectives and key results. For example, if you are able to follow your team OKRs, you can figure out exactly what your various members are doing to meet their goals. When you were first starting out, you probably tried to create an OKR dashboard with Google Sheets. After all, this process is free and easy. On the other hand, if you are using an OKR dashboard in Excel or Google Sheets, you should know that there is a better way for you to keep track of what is happening with your objectives and key results. 

You have to take advantage of advanced OKR tracking tools that can show you your OKR statuses. Even though you are probably comfortable with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, there are several drawbacks that come with taking this approach. First, these programs are not specifically designed for objectives and key results. Therefore, your capabilities are going to be limited if you try to use this as a solution. In addition, it may be difficult for you to see the exact metrics that are defining your success with respect to your OKRs. If you can use an advanced OKR dashboard, you will have an easier time keeping track of the most important information. Also, it will eliminate the manual work needed to have your teams track updates in Google Sheets of Excel.

That is why there are advanced solutions that have been specifically designed for objectives and key results. If you are looking for a strong OKR dashboard, you need to know exactly what you are looking for. For example, you have to identify a solution that can help you keep track of your metrics in real-time. You also want to stay up-to-date on various status changes with respect to your objectives and key results. That way, you can get notified when something important happens across your business. 

You are probably trying to find ways to reduce your overhead expenses. You may be reluctant to invest in a solution that is specific to objectives and key results. On the other hand, if you are serious about putting OKRs to work for your company, you have to get as much out of them as possible. That is why you should invest in the future of OKRs for your business. If you show that you are serious about maximizing the benefits of your OKRs, you will get the rest of your company to buy in as well. 

OKR Software

So, if you are looking for an OKR dashboard, you are probably checking out multiple software platforms, trying to find the right OKR software for your company. For example, you may be starting with a free OKR tracker. If you are looking for OKR software for startups, you might be interested in conducting an OKR software comparison. When you are looking at the best OKR software, what are some of the factors you should consider? 

First, you have to make sure the software program is relatively easy to use. Even if you have the most robust platform available, this is not going to help you if you cannot use it easily. Therefore, take a look at the learning curve that comes with the software. In order to figure this out, you may want to see what other people have had to say. If you can read a few reviews of the software, you can get a feel for how long it has taken other people to learn how to use the program.

Then, you should also look for a software solution that is able to keep track of multiple departments, multiple goals, and work well with companies of all sizes. Depending on the industry in which your company is located, and how big your company is, you may find that one software solution works better for your business than others. 

When it comes to objectives and key results, Elate is simply the best platform for today’s high growth company. As a powerful OKR platform, Elate helps increase accountability for goals and outcomes. Regardless of whether you are setting objectives and key results for individuals or teams, Elate will make sure that people are held responsible for the goals they set for themselves. Furthermore, this program can also automate the follow-up process, and help more effectively communicate the vision of the company to your entire organization. That way, you can make it easier for everyone to buy into the ideas of OKRs.

Even though you may be thinking about using a free OKR solution at first, keep in mind the operating framework for your business probably needs to be something that can grow with you over time. As the best OKR software for startups and high growth companies, Elate helps place individuals at your company in the best position to meet their OKRs.