What are Lean 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.
Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.
We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Lean to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own Lean 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's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability 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.
Lean OKRs examples
You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Lean. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to enhance maturity and adoption of lean/scaled Agile delivery practices
ObjectiveEnhance maturity and adoption of lean/scaled Agile delivery practices
KRConfirm 85% staff satisfaction with the transition to Agile practices via survey
Analyze the received feedback for satisfaction rate- Develop a clear and concise survey measuring Agile practice satisfaction
- Distribute the survey to all staff members
- KRAchieve 25% productivity increase through lean/Agile methodologies implementation
- Identify areas for process optimization using lean/Agile methodologies
- Monitor and adjust strategies for continuous productivity improvement
- Implement selected lean/Agile practices in those identified areas
- KRImplement lean/scaled Agile training for 90% of delivery team members
- Track team members’ progress post-training
- Schedule training for 90% of the team members
- Identify appropriate Agile training program for delivery team
OKRs to enhance warehouse labor productivity by implementing lean methodologies and automation
- ObjectiveEnhance warehouse labor productivity by implementing lean methodologies and automation
- KRImplement an automation system, reducing manual tasks by 30%
- Identify repetitive tasks that are viable for automation
- Research and select a suitable automation system
- Train staff to effectively use the system
- KRTrain 95% of warehouse staff on lean methodologies by end of the quarter
- Monitor and document employee completion of training
- Schedule mandatory training sessions for warehouse staff
- Develop a comprehensive lean methodologies training program
- KRAchieve a 15% decrease in labor time spent on non-value-added activities
- Train staff in time management and productive work habits
- Implement process optimization strategies to reduce inefficiencies
- Introduce automation in repetitive, time-consuming tasks
OKRs to transform company with lean and agile focus
- ObjectiveTransform company with lean and agile focus
- KRIncrease customer satisfaction by delivering products and services faster through agile development
- Conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys to collect feedback and identify areas for improvement
- Set achievable and aggressive timelines for each project to ensure faster product and service delivery
- Implement agile development process to streamline product and service delivery workflows
- Invest in employee training and development to enhance skills and productivity in agile development
- KRIncrease employee engagement by implementing lean and agile practices for better collaboration
- Establish cross-functional teams to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among employees
- Conduct training sessions on lean and agile practices for all employees
- Implement regular feedback loops and communication channels to foster open dialogues between employees and management
- Recognize and reward employees who actively participate in lean and agile practices
- KRReduce operational waste by implementing lean principles and achieving measurable efficiency improvements
- Monitor progress regularly through key performance indicators and adjust strategies as needed
- Conduct a waste assessment to identify areas with potential for improvement
- Streamline processes by eliminating non-value added activities and optimizing workflows
- Develop a lean implementation plan with clear goals, roles, and responsibilities
- KRImprove team performance by conducting regular agile training and implementing continuous improvement practices
- Develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement based on analysis results
- Implement a system for gathering feedback and suggestions from team members
- Analyze team performance data and identify areas for improvement
- Schedule regular agile training sessions for the team
OKRs to streamline and enhance efficiency in a specific work lane
- ObjectiveStreamline and enhance efficiency in a specific work lane
- KRIncrease staff productivity by 20% with relevant training and tools
- Implement tailored training programs addressing identified gaps
- Provide necessary tools and resources for upskilling
- Identify specific skill gaps among the current staff
- KRReduce error rate by 15% through standardized procedures
- Regularly monitor and evaluate procedure adherence and effectiveness
- Provide training and guidance on new standardized procedures
- Develop comprehensive, standardized procedures for all operations
- KRDecrease process completion time by 35% through the implementation of lean principles
- Implement lean principles to streamline flow
- Identify inefficiencies in the current process
- Measure, evaluate, and adjust for improvements
OKRs to enhance operational productivity through constant improvement methodology
- ObjectiveEnhance operational productivity through constant improvement methodology
- KRLaunch two training sessions on new software tools to increase teams' productivity by 20%
- Notify team members about the upcoming training sessions
- Develop a comprehensive curriculum on the new software tools
- Determine suitable dates for two separate training sessions
- KRImplement a new operational procedure in at least 3 departments, driving 10% improved efficiency
- Develop a comprehensive new operational procedure blueprint
- Pilot test procedure in one department for feedback
- Roll out procedure across remaining departments
- KRAchieve a 15% reduction in process time by employing lean techniques
- Identify inefficiencies and waste in current process
- Implement and monitor lean techniques to reduce time
- Train team on lean techniques and principles
OKRs to enhance continuous improvement processes
- ObjectiveEnhance continuous improvement processes
- KRImplement 3 new process improvements based on feedback and data analysis
- Identify key problems from the feedback and data analysis
- Implement and monitor the new processes
- Develop three process improvement strategies
- KRTrain all team members on Lean principles to promote a culture of improvement
- Distribute Lean principles educational materials to team members
- Monitor and assess team members' understanding of Lean principles
- Organize Lean principles training sessions for the team
- KRIncrease feedback collection by 20% through surveys and feedback loops
- Implement feedback loops on all digital platforms
- Develop and distribute engaging customer satisfaction surveys
- Promote survey participation through incentives
OKRs to boost gross margin in warehouse operations
- ObjectiveBoost gross margin in warehouse operations
- KRImprove warehouse inventory turnover rate by 20%
- Implement an efficient automated inventory management system
- Conduct regular stock evaluations and adjustments
- Train staff on inventory turnover improvement strategies
- KRIncrease efficiency of warehouse processes by 15% using lean methodologies
- Monitor, assess and improve warehouse processes regularly
- Train staff on efficiency-enhancing techniques and procedures
- Implement lean methodologies for streamlined warehouse operations
- KRImplement a 10% reduction in non-essential operational expenses by quarter-end
- Review all non-essential expenses in detail
- Develop and enforce a budget reduction plan
- Identify areas for potential cost cuts
Lean 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
Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your 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
Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.
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 Lean OKRs
The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. 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
Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.
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 Lean OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to create efficient service quality monitoring tools
- OKRs to grow revenue from existing accounts through upselling and cross-selling initiatives
- OKRs to boost client insurance adoption rate by 50%
- OKRs to achieve higher NPS and CSAT ratings
- OKRs to attain the position of Technical Program Management Director
- OKRs to execute foundational groundwork for our 2025 performance management system