What are Google Cloud OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Google Cloud to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own Google Cloud OKRs
Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Google Cloud OKRs examples
You will find in the next section many different Google Cloud Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to efficiently migrate services and databases to Google Cloud
- ObjectiveEfficiently migrate services and databases to Google Cloud
- KRAchieve minimal downtime during the migration process
- Conduct regular communication regarding the migration process with all relevant stakeholders
- Perform a thorough assessment of the existing infrastructure and identify potential issues
- Develop a detailed migration plan with clear timelines and allocated resources
- Implement redundancy measures and backup systems to minimize the impact of any disruptions
- KROptimize costs by analyzing and implementing cost-effective solutions in Google Cloud
- Identify and eliminate any unnecessary services or resources to reduce expenses
- Regularly monitor and review cost reports and adjust strategies accordingly
- Research and implement more cost-effective alternatives or optimized configurations for existing services
- Conduct a thorough analysis of current Google Cloud services and associated costs
- KREnsure seamless data migration from existing databases to Google Cloud
- Perform necessary data cleansing and transformation to ensure compatibility with Google Cloud
- Assess current database structure and data volume for smooth migration planning
- Create a detailed data migration strategy outlining steps, tools, and timelines
- Execute step-by-step migration process, verifying data integrity and minimizing downtime
- KRSuccessfully migrate all services from current platform to Google Cloud
OKRs to acquire GCP certification with strong knowledge and skills
- ObjectiveAcquire GCP certification with strong knowledge and skills
- KRReceive positive feedback from a GCP certified professional on the project implementation
- Implement any suggested improvements or modifications based on the feedback received
- Prepare a detailed presentation showcasing the positive outcomes and key milestones achieved
- Collect essential data and testimonials from team members about their experience with the project
- Request a meeting with the GCP certified professional to discuss the project implementation
- KRComplete all GCP training modules and hands-on exercises with a passing score
- Complete all hands-on exercises by following the provided instructions
- Take and pass all assessments with a passing score to successfully finish the training
- Study the training material thoroughly to understand the concepts and procedures
- Enroll in all GCP training modules and access hands-on exercises
- KRSuccessfully pass the GCP practice exams with a score above 90%
- Review GCP documentation and whitepapers to supplement study materials
- Create a study schedule with dedicated time each day
- Identify weak areas and focus on studying those topics more thoroughly
- Take timed practice exams to improve speed and build endurance
- KRImplement a practical GCP project showcasing proficiency in relevant technologies
- Research and select relevant GCP technologies and tools to be utilized
- Define project scope, objectives, and requirements
- Develop and implement the GCP project, ensuring proficiency in all selected technologies
- Plan and design the architecture and workflow of the GCP project
Google Cloud OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Google Cloud OKRs
OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Google Cloud OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
OKRs to ensure optimal resource allocation against program commitments OKRs to acquire an advanced certificate OKRs to establish a strong sales culture within the company OKRs to boost App Downloads OKRs to improve SOC service level agreement performance by the resolver team OKRs to increase client satisfaction by meeting project deliverables and expectations