What are Software Developers 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 Software Developers 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 Software Developers 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.
Software Developers OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Software Developers Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to implement efficient test automation processes
ObjectiveImplement efficient test automation processes
KRReduce manual testing work by 40% through customized automated scripts
Implement and monitor the automated scripts’ efficacy regularly- Develop customized automated scripts for these processes
- Identify repeated manual testing processes suitable for automation
- KRSuccessfully automate 70% of all repetitive tests while maintaining accuracy
- Research suitable automation tools or software
- Implement, monitor, and adjust automated processes accordingly
- Identify and catalog all existing repetitive tests
- KRAchieve a 30% decrease in software bugs and glitches through automated testing enhancement
- Regularly evaluate and refine our testing processes
- Train developers in advanced automated testing
- Implement enhanced and rigorous automated testing protocols
OKRs to successfully transition the software team to unit testing processes
- ObjectiveSuccessfully transition the software team to unit testing processes
- KRImplement unit testing in 75% of ongoing development projects
- Identify ongoing projects to incorporate unit testing
- Train development team in unit testing
- Implement unit testing in selected projects
- KRAchieve 30% reduction in post-release bugs due to incorporation of unit testing
- Implement comprehensive unit testing in development process
- Train developers on effective unit testing strategies
- Regularly review and improve the unit tests
- KRSuccessfully complete comprehensive unit testing training for 100% of team members
- Identify suitable comprehensive unit testing training courses
- Monitor and ensure all team members complete the course
- Enroll all team members in the chosen course
OKRs to improve AI security requirements operationalization for developers’ comprehension
- ObjectiveImprove AI security requirements operationalization for developers’ comprehension
- KRDevelop and deploy a standardized AI security guideline by 25%
- Draft a comprehensive AI security guideline
- Reduce guideline by 25% focusing on core elements
- Implement the streamlined AI security guideline across all systems
- KRReduce misunderstandings in AI security requirements by 30% through improved documentation
- Conduct regular staff trainings highlighting documentation procedures
- Establish clear, concise writing guidelines for technical content
- Implement a standardized format for all AI security requirement documents
- KRConduct bi-weekly developer trainings on new AI security protocols resulting in 80% adherence
Software Developers 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
Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.
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
Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.
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 Software Developers 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 Software Developers OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to improve communication by ensuring quarterly check-in with performance manager
- OKRs to create a genAI-based protocol design and study feasibility tool
- OKRs to enhance children's speaking skills focusing on pronunciation, diction and intonation
- OKRs to improve writing skills
- OKRs to boost product visibility and establish success pipeline in new markets
- OKRs to improve our email Marketing activities