In this engaging episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Jeff Gothelf, a globally recognized author, speaker, and coach known for his expertise in organizational agility, product design, and customer-centricity. Jeff is the co-author of the insightful book Who Does What By How Much? A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs. Drawing on decades of experience and collaboration with leading organizations, Jeff shares practical strategies to help leaders implement Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in ways that drive meaningful outcomes.

The conversation explores why OKRs, often misunderstood as just another goal-setting framework, are in fact a transformative tool for aligning teams, fostering collaboration, and focusing on outcomes that truly matter. Jeff delves into the critical difference between outputs and outcomes, highlighting how focusing on behavior changes in customers creates measurable impact. His practical advice is grounded in real-world examples, making this episode a must-listen for leaders seeking to elevate organizational performance.

Jeff also shares actionable steps for starting small with OKRs, experimenting with pilot teams, and scaling successful initiatives across the organization. He provides a nuanced perspective on the common pitfalls that derail OKR adoption, including the temptation to prioritize outputs over outcomes and the misalignment of accountability. This candid discussion offers a roadmap for leaders to overcome these challenges and create a culture of agility and continuous learning.

From balancing transparency with accountability to maintaining alignment with an organization’s brand promise, this episode equips CEOs and senior executives with the tools and frameworks needed to navigate strategic change effectively. Whether you're familiar with OKRs or exploring them for the first time, Jeff's insights will challenge conventional thinking and inspire leaders to rethink their approach to goal-setting and customer success.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why OKRs are more than just another framework—they're a mirror for your organization's ability to deliver on its brand promise.
• Hear how to differentiate between outputs (what you make) and outcomes (the changes you create) and why this shift is crucial for organizational success.
• Discover why starting small with OKR implementation—through pilot teams—leads to greater long-term success.
• Explore Jeff’s perspective on the most common mistake leaders make with OKRs and how avoiding it can transform your team's performance.
• Learn the secret to transparency in goal-setting without sacrificing accountability or collaboration within teams.
• Find out how OKRs enable agility, empowering organizations to adapt quickly to change while staying customer-focused.
• Uncover the importance of clarity, starting with the 'why' behind transformations, and how it strengthens buy-in from teams.
• Hear Jeff’s take on aligning OKRs with strategic priorities, even during moments of crisis or market disruption.
• Understand how OKRs differ from KPIs and how they serve as a bridge between strategy and execution.

Connect with Jeff Gothelf

Jeff Gothelf Website

Jeff Gothelf LinkedIn 

Who Does What By How Much? A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website