OKRs ARE
DEAD.
DO THIS INSTEAD.
Why this eBook exists
OKRs have become the default “serious business” goal-setting method. But when the real job is business transformation, OKRs often keep organisations busy… without making them aligned. This short eBook explains why OKRs break down at the strategic level, and introduces a more complete alternative used in HOBA-led transformation work.
If you’ve ever said any of these… this is for you
“We hit our OKRs… but nothing really changed.”
You delivered activities and metrics, but the organisation didn’t shift in capability, clarity, or momentum.
“Everyone has OKRs… and they still don’t align.”
Teams optimise locally, while strategy stays fuzzy and competing priorities remain unresolved.
“We’re drowning in goals, dashboards, and updates.”
The system becomes admin-heavy—without strengthening the underlying strategic story of why, how, and to what end.
What’s broken with OKRs
OKRs focus on the “what” — not the “why” and “how”
OKRs specify outcomes and key results, but often fail to force clarity on purpose and strategy—two essentials for transformation.
OKRs don’t give you a real vision
Without a compelling vision, OKRs become disconnected targets. You can measure progress… in the wrong direction.
OKRs aren’t designed for transformation complexity
Transformation spans people, process, technology, and data. A goal framework that doesn’t naturally connect those elements tends to create fragmented execution.
The alternative: VSOM
This eBook introduces VSOM as a strategic framework for transformation—built to answer the questions OKRs typically leave behind. VSOM gives you a structured way to connect vision to strategy, strategy to objectives, and objectives to measurable outcomes.
Vision
The long-term future state that provides clarity and purpose for the entire transformation.
Strategy
The “how”—the approaches and actions across people, process, technology, and data that make the vision real.
Objectives
The milestones that guide progress and align teams to shared outcomes (not competing targets).
Measures
The metrics that track progress and enable better decisions—without turning the organisation into a reporting factory.
What you’ll get when you download
A clear explanation of the limitations of OKRs for transformation
Understand where OKRs help—and where they create blind spots at the strategic level.
A practical introduction to VSOM
Learn the VSOM structure and how it creates alignment from vision through to measurable outcomes.
A better way to drive strategic alignment and buy-in
See how VSOM supports leadership alignment, stakeholder engagement, and a more holistic transformation approach.
Who this eBook is for
Leaders driving change
If you’re accountable for outcomes and tired of “goal theatre”, VSOM will give you a more strategic foundation.
Transformation teams, consultants & architects
If you need a way to connect strategy to execution across multiple teams and dependencies, this is built for that reality.
About HOBA Tech
HOBA Tech helps organisations transform with less stress, less effort, less time, and less cost—using an award-winning, business-led framework used by thousands globally (including major enterprises and public sector).
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“Stop measuring the wrong things faster. Start aligning the right things first.”
— HEATH GASCOIGNE, FOUNDER & CEO, HOBA TECH