Follow the Gradient

Why OKRs Fail (and How to Make Them Work) - with Omid Akhavan

Jun 4, 2025
Omid Akhavan, a leading OKR coach and founder of Lucid Outcomes, shares his insights on effective goal-setting with organizations worldwide. He dives into the common pitfalls that lead to OKR failures and emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership over rigid systems. Akhavan discusses starting with simple tools for OKR management, the balance between ambitious goals and performance assessments, and the value of team collaboration in aligning objectives. This conversation is a goldmine for founders looking to enhance clarity and drive results.
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INSIGHT

Definition and Scope of OKRs

  • OKRs are a strategic framework that aligns and focuses organizations on measurable outcomes.
  • They apply broadly across industries because all organizations have goals and need strategic execution.
ADVICE

When to Start Using OKRs

  • Introduce OKRs when your startup grows to multiple teams or departments around 30-40 people.
  • Before product-market fit, focus on validating ideas rather than locking into set goals.
ADVICE

Prerequisites for Effective OKRs

  • Have a clear plan for the next 3-6 months before setting OKRs, ideally linked to a strategy.
  • Identify key metrics and KPIs early to integrate them into your OKRs for smooth progress tracking.
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