What are Project Estimation 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've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Project Estimation 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 Project Estimation 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.
Project Estimation OKRs examples
You will find in the next section many different Project Estimation 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 enhance stakeholders' proficiency in project estimation
ObjectiveEnhance stakeholders' proficiency in project estimation
KRDevelop and distribute a comprehensive project estimation handbook
Plan and execute distribution strategy for the handbook- Write, edit, and finalize the comprehensive handbook
- Outline key components of project estimation for the handbook
- KRImplement a project estimation tool boosting efficiency by 30%
- Monitor and measure tool's impact on project efficiency
- Train team members in using the chosen tool efficiently
- Research and select a project estimation tool suitable for our needs
- KRExecute 4 workshops on advanced project estimation techniques
- Prepare materials and resources for the four workshops
- Arrange logistics and advertise the workshops for signups
- Identify experts to facilitate the estimation techniques workshops
OKRs to improve accuracy of project estimations
- ObjectiveImprove accuracy of project estimations
- KRImplement a new estimation tool with positive feedback from 75% of users
- Initiate a feedback survey post-implementation
- Conduct training sessions for users to understand the tool
- Select an estimation tool compatible with current systems
- KRReduce variances in project estimates versus actual results by 20%
- Use past projects as a benchmark for estimation
- Implement a detailed project management plan
- Regularly monitor and adjust estimates as needed
- KRComplete advanced estimation training for relevant staff
- Monitor staff's progress and understanding post-training
- Identify staff members needing advanced estimation training
- Schedule suitable training sessions for identified staff
Project Estimation 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 Project Estimation 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
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
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 Project Estimation OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance office/admin operational efficiency for heightened productivity
- OKRs to elevate Design Through Balanced Innovation and Practicality
- OKRs to enhance collaboration and stimulate thought leadership
- OKRs to enhance the overall call quality in the contact center
- OKRs to significantly improve sales performance
- OKRs to to increase monthly turnover to 2 million rand