As you already know, OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results. The Objective tells you where you want to be by the end of a given timeframe and Key Results give you feedback as to whether or not you're getting there. In Perdoo there's a third element that we integrate into the process, Initiatives.
To achieve certain results, you need to take action - Key Results won't magically move, they need to be pushed. Initiatives are all those projects you believe will help achieve the desired outcomes. In other words, Initiatives are hypotheses that are validated through Key Result progress, but are not included in its progress status. An Objective's progress is measured by its Key Results only or aligned Objectives only.
What does this look like in practice?
The idea behind Initiatives is that you add the high-level project into Perdoo and then you manage the sub-tasks in your project/task management system:
Some customers add everything they'll do as an Initiative.
While others add the main project and then add a link to the project under the description of the Initiative. That way anyone can follow up on the details if they wish to.
Add Initiatives to your Objectives or Key Results
1. Add Initiatives to your Objectives
After creating your Objective, you have the option to Save & Add Result.
From there, choose Initiative under Result Type.
Fill out the following information:
Name
Description (optional)
Lead
Measure as a: numerical, percentage, or currency options
Start value
Target value
Click Save.
2. Add Initiative to Parent Key Result
While creating or editing your Initiative, you also have the option of selecting the Key Result that your Initiative aims to support via the Parent Key Result option.
If you do so, the Initiative will be nested below the Key Result in the Objective modal:
* NOTE: Hover over this space to Add Result (Key Result or Initiative) directly from your Objective.
Advanced Options
If you want to add a Start or Due date to your Initiatives, include Contributors, or add a Tag you can do so in the Advanced Options section (scroll to the bottom) when creating or editing an Initiative:
Identifying Initiatives vs Key Results
Perdoo helps you navigate the difference between Key Results and Initiatives. In-app intelligence warns you when creating Key Results that should probably be Initiatives.
For example, if your Key Result runs from 0-100% progress, it's likely a project or task (an Initiative). Perdoo will show a helpful warning so you can set and achieve consistently great goals.
* NOTE: In the platform, both Initiatives and Key Results are considered Results, so you can change an Initiative to a Key Result and visa versa by editing the Result and selecting Key Result or Initiative instead.
Key Results are marked by a blue arrow symbol while Initiatives are marked by a green list/check mark symbol:
Need a hand?
Contact our friendly Support team via the in-app chat at the bottom-right of your screen, or email support@perdoo.com.