The Mindtools L&D Podcast 459 — OHLs over OKRs: A new approach to goal-setting
Aug 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Radhika Dutt, an entrepreneur and author known for her work on Radical Product Thinking, unveils a fresh perspective on goal-setting that shifts from the traditional OKRs to a model known as Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings (OHLs). She explains the frequent failures of OKRs, emphasizing the importance of a problem-solving mindset. Radhika also shares practical insights to prevent analysis paralysis, highlighting the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in achieving meaningful outcomes.
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Goals Mask Broken Vision
- OKRs are often used as duct tape to create alignment when vision is vague.
- Radhika Dutt argues that relying on goals patches over foundational clarity and causes side effects.
Avid's Numbers Hid Decline
- At Avid Radhika saw sales targets met while the mid- and low-end were eroding from competitors.
- The team pushed upward to hit numbers instead of experimenting to adapt to commoditization.
Stretch Goals Replace Experimentation
- Stretch goals can incentivize short-term fixes rather than continuous experimentation.
- Radhika links Andy Grove's success to constant adaptation, not to targets alone.
