What are Project Management 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 Management 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 Management 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 Management OKRs examples
You will find in the next section many different Project Management 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 to excel in autonomous project management
ObjectiveTo excel in autonomous project management
KRComplete 100% of projects within the designated timeframe and budget
Prioritize projects based on deadlines and budget parameters- Consistently monitor progress towards project goals
- Efficiently manage resources and time allocation
- KRImplement 3 new innovative project management methods to improve efficiency
- Research latest innovative project management methodologies
- Select and plan implementation of three methods
- Train staff on new techniques and monitor efficiency impacts
- KRImprove project success rate by 20% through streamlined decision making
- Review and revise current project management processes
- Invest in decision-making training for project leads
- Implement a clear decision-making hierarchy within project teams
OKRs to enhance autonomous, highly effective project management skills
- ObjectiveEnhance autonomous, highly effective project management skills
- KRImplement a new project management tool, improving project execution efficiency by 20%
- Train the team on utilizing the new tool effectively
- Research and select a suitable project management tool
- Continually monitor and adjust processes for efficiency
- KRSuccessfully deliver 3 high-stake projects using autonomous decision-making
- Monitor progress, iterate strategies, ensure delivery
- Define project goals and create detailed execution plans
- Utilize data-driven decision-making software for autonomy
- KRComplete professional project management certification by quarter-end
- Schedule and take the certification exam
- Dedicate time daily for study and exam preparation
- Enroll in a project management certification course
OKRs to establish robust autonomy and project management systems
- ObjectiveEstablish robust autonomy and project management systems
- KRTrain 70% of the team members in autonomous decision-making and problem-solving
- Identify team members needing autonomous decision-making training
- Develop an effective training program on decision-making
- Implement and monitor the training for select team members
- KRImplement a suitable project management software for 100% of ongoing projects
- Train staff on new software usage
- Research various project management software options
- Purchase and install chosen project management software
- KRAchieve 30% reduction in project deadline delays due to better management control
- Provide staff with targeted management training
- Establish daily progress tracking system
- Implement standardized project management procedures
OKRs to streamline project management for timely delivery
- ObjectiveStreamline project management for timely delivery
- KRImplement a project tracking system for real-time monitoring and status updates
- Install and configure selected tracking system
- Research available project tracking systems and select appropriate one
- Train team on using tracking system
- KRReduce existing project completion timelines by 20%
- Streamline work processes to reduce time-consuming steps
- Utilize project management tools for efficiency
- Implement more focused, effective team meetings
- KRAchieve 100% completion of intermediary milestones within scheduled deadlines
- Implement efficient workflow strategies for timely task execution
- Monitor progress regularly to ensure completion within deadlines
- Develop a detailed project timeline with intermediary milestones
OKRs to implement effective project risk management strategies
- ObjectiveImprove project risk management
- KRReduce overall project risk by 20% through early identification and mitigation
- KRIncrease team's risk management maturity level by 2 points through training and coaching
- KRImplement a risk management tracking tool with 100% team adoption and utilization
- KRReduce project delay and budget overruns by 15% through proactive risk monitoring and response
OKRs to attain the position of Technical Program Management Director
- ObjectiveAttain the position of Technical Program Management Director
- KRIncrease team's KPI achievement by 15%
- Boost employee motivation through incentives
- Implement regular team goal-setting and tracking sessions
- Enhance training programs to improve skillset
- KRSuccessfully lead five cross-functional projects, improving completion rate by 20%
- Identify and assemble cross-functional project teams
- Implement and monitor project management strategies
- Establish clear project goals and timelines
- KRComplete advanced leadership course for relevant career development
- Enroll in a suitable course based on relevance to career
- Research available advanced leadership courses online
- Complete all coursework and assessments on schedule
OKRs to enhance and streamline stakeholder management as a developer
- ObjectiveEnhance and streamline stakeholder management as a developer
- KRIncrease stakeholder satisfaction by 20% through effective communication and project efficiency
- Improve project management tools to enhance efficiency
- Conduct regular feedback sessions to address stakeholders' concerns
- Implement weekly project status updates for all stakeholders
- KRImplement personalized weekly progress updates for all key stakeholders
- Schedule and send weekly email updates
- Develop a personalized update template
- Identify key stakeholders for weekly progress updates
- KRResolve and document 100% of stakeholder queries or concerns within 48 hours
- Develop a streamlined process for addressing stakeholder queries
- Assign stakeholders concerns to relevant team members immediately
- Consistently update and maintain a query resolution documentation system
OKRs to ensure timely completion of all designated projects
- ObjectiveEnsure timely completion of all designated projects
- KREnhance project management efficiency by 30% using advanced tracking tools
- Train project managers on new tool usage
- Research and identify suitable advanced tracking tools
- Implement selected tracking tool into management process
- KRReduce elapsed project timeframe by 20% through streamlining processes
- Implement efficient and automated work processes
- Train staff on new streamlined procedures
- Identify bottlenecks and unnecessary steps in current processes
- KRComplete 100% of projects without exceeding preset deadlines
- Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadline
- Implement effective project management strategies
- Daily review and update of project progress
OKRs to boost capabilities in efficient time management
- ObjectiveBoost capabilities in efficient time management
- KRReduce procrastination and wasted time to less than one hour per workday
- Limit social media use during work hours
- Prioritize tasks using a to-do list
- Set specific, manageable daily goals and deadlines for tasks
- KRSuccessfully complete 100% of projects earlier than the deadline indicated
- Periodically revisit timelines and adjust as necessary
- Start projects early to maximise working timeframe
- Improve efficiency with consistent daily progress
- KRRead and finish at least two industry-recognized books on time management strategies
- Choose two reputable time management books
- Summarize key time management strategies learned
- Create a reading schedule to meet deadline
OKRs to accelerate the delivery of consulting projects
- ObjectiveAccelerate the delivery of consulting projects
- KRReduce project delays by 15% through enhanced resource allocation
- Assess and optimize team efficiency regularly
- Provide resource allocation training to project managers
- Implement a robust resource management software system
- KRImplement new project management tool and train all project members by week 6
- Schedule comprehensive tool training for all project members
- Implement the new tool and complete training by week 6
- Select suitable project management tool for our needs
- KRAchieve a 10% improvement in project completion speed by the end of the quarter
- Implement efficient project management tools and strategies
- Provide training for enhanced team productivity
- Regularly monitor and adjust timelines as needed
Project Management 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 Management 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
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 Project Management OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to implement effective annual success plans
- OKRs to promote and cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
- OKRs to master the creation of pivot tables in Excel
- OKRs to achieve personal and financial stability
- OKRs to increase overall health and wellbeing
- OKRs to bolster Protection Against P1 Issues