Structuring teams around OKRs

When creating OKRs that need multiple teams to achieve them. A common mistake teams make is to create different OKRs or split an OKR among teams and then try to link them. This wastes a lot of time and reduces clarity for someone looking at the goal. This also makes checking into and updating that goal difficult.

Cross-functional OKR vs Team OKRs

Here are things to keep in mind when choosing one over the other

Team OKRs

• A single team is largely accountable for delivery
• The owner of the goal can drive and is responsible for the delivery of the goal

Cross-functional OKRs

• A cross-functional team is accountable for delivery

Single cross-functional OKR

A better way to approach this is to create a cross-functional team that will achieve a Goal together. This also creates a much better alignment between multiple teams or functions. In this approach, two or more teams share the same OKR but can have different initiatives to achieve the bigger goal.

A Cross-functional OKR example involving Sales, Marketing and Talent teams

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