OKRs are dead (do this instead)

In the fast-paced and dynamic business landscape, organisations are constantly seeking ways to transform themselves to stay competitive and achieve their goals. Goal setting plays a crucial role in driving success and progress. While OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) have gained popularity as a goal-setting framework, it has become evident that they have limitations when it comes to addressing the strategic aspects of business transformation. This blog post explores the shortcomings of OKRs and introduces VSOM (Vision, Strategies, Objectives, and Measures) as a superior alternative, providing a more comprehensive tool for effective business transformation.

The Limitations of OKRs:

While OKRs are effective for goal setting, they have some inherent limitations that make them less suitable for strategic business transformation:

1. Missing the “Why” and “How”: OKRs primarily focus on the “what” of goals, specifying the desired outcomes and measurable results. However, they often lack the depth needed to answer the fundamental questions of “why” and “how.” Understanding the purpose behind a goal and determining the strategies to achieve it are critical for successful transformation initiatives.
2. Lack of Vision: OKRs tend to overlook the importance of a well-defined vision that provides a clear direction for the organisation. A vision acts as a compass, guiding the transformation efforts and ensuring that goals are aligned with the broader strategic objectives. Without a compelling vision, OKRs may lack the necessary context and inspiration.

Introducing VSOM: A Strategic Framework for Transformation:

VSOM offers a robust and comprehensive framework that addresses the strategic questions necessary for successful business transformation:

1. Vision: At the core of VSOM is a well-defined vision that articulates the organisation’s long-term aspirations and desired future state. The vision serves as the driving force behind the transformation, providing clarity and purpose to all stakeholders.
2. Strategies: VSOM goes beyond goal setting by incorporating strategies that outline the approaches and actions required to achieve the vision. These strategies encompass changes in people, processes, technology, and data, providing a holistic framework for transformation efforts.
3. Objectives: Building upon the vision and strategies, VSOM defines clear objectives that align with the organisation’s overall goals. Objectives serve as milestones and guideposts, driving progress towards the vision and ensuring alignment across the organisation.
4. Measures: VSOM integrates relevant measures and metrics to track progress, assess performance, and ensure the realisation of desired outcomes. By incorporating measures into the framework, organisations can monitor the effectiveness of their transformation initiatives and make data-driven decisions.

The Power of VSOM in Business Transformation:

VSOM offers several advantages over OKRs and facilitates successful business transformation:

1. Strategic Alignment: VSOM addresses the strategic questions of why, who, what, why (smaller why), where, and when. By providing comprehensive answers to these questions, VSOM ensures alignment across the organisation, creating a cohesive and coordinated approach to transformation.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: VSOM actively engages senior leadership, operations teams, and supporting functions by involving them in the development of the vision, strategies, objectives, and measures. This participatory approach fosters buy-in and commitment, addressing the crucial element of stakeholder involvement in transformation efforts.
3. Holistic Approach: Recognizing that transformation extends beyond goal setting, VSOM encompasses changes in people, processes, technology, and data. This holistic perspective ensures that all aspects of the organisation are considered and integrated, leading to more effective and sustainable transformation outcomes.

While OKRs have been widely adopted for goal setting, they fall short in addressing the strategic questions and providing a comprehensive framework for business transformation. VSOM offers a superior alternative by incorporating vision, strategies, objectives, and measures. By embracing VSOM, organisations can drive strategic alignment, engage stakeholders, and implement holistic transformation initiatives. By shifting from OKRs to VSOM, businesses can unlock the following benefits:

1. Clear Strategic Direction: VSOM incorporates a well-defined vision that guides transformation efforts and ensures goals are aligned with long-term aspirations.
2. Comprehensive Approach: With strategies encompassing people, processes, technology, and data, VSOM provides a holistic framework for addressing the multifaceted nature of business transformation.
3. Stakeholder Buy-In: Involving key stakeholders in the development of the vision, strategies, objectives, and measures increases engagement, fosters a sense of ownership, and promotes a shared understanding of the transformation’s purpose and benefits.
4. Strategic Focus: VSOM answers the critical strategic questions of why, who, what, why (smaller why), where, and when, ensuring a clear roadmap for achieving transformation goals.
5. Measurement and Evaluation: By incorporating relevant measures and metrics, VSOM enables organisations to track progress, assess performance, and make data-driven decisions to ensure the realisation of desired outcomes.