How to successfully implement OKRs in your
organization with an OKR Champion

When organizations discuss OKRs, training is often not a part of the conversation. However, we cannot think of anything more critical for OKR success than making sure an organization and an OKR Champion are trained to implement, run and manage an OKR program.

The first step when you are thinking of participating in an OKR training program actually has nothing to do with training. Step one is choosing the right OKR Champion to run your program. Once you have the right OKR Champion, then training can begin.

An OKR Champion should be a self-starter and a fast-learner. They should have the authority and responsibility to implement, run and manage the OKR program. Do not assign an OKR Champion lightly as the OKR Champion holds the keys to whether an OKR program will be successful or not.

In our experience, the best OKR Champions are not given this role as an extension of their current role. Being a successful OKR Champion requires a lot of time, energy and effort. It is also crucial that the OKR Champion role is not given to someone who cannot command the respect of upper level executives. This person will be facilitating and directing the C-Suite on OKRs. Be sure the person you have chosen can do this well.

If you do not have an OKR Champion within your organization or do not have someone on your team that you think can run the program, you can always hire outside consultants or professionals to become the OKR Champion for your organization and implement, run and manage your OKR program for you.

Once you have chosen the correct OKR Champion, then training can begin.

OKR Training begins with discussing how to organize the OKRs for your organization so you can decide which conversations need to happen first, which OKRs need to be set first and how to cascade the OKRs down within the organization. This also includes the timeline of when these activities should occur. Remember: timelines are very important for an OKR implementation and they should be set in stone.

After OKR timelines and organization are discussed, it is then imperative to train the OKR Champion on how to facilitate, run and conduct OKR meetings. If OKR meetings are not conducted properly, you could lose buy-in from the organization and the OKRs will not remain at the forefront of organizational alignment. These meetings should be conducted carefully and strategically so that all participants in the OKR program are able to discuss where they are with
their OKRs and are able to receive communication, feedback and recognition.

Last, we train an OKR Champion on how to actually manage the program. This is one of the most crucial aspects of OKR training as it can mean the difference between a program that flourishes and a program that slowly loses buy-in and eventually ceases to exist with the organization. We teach OKR Champions how to manage challenges and setbacks, how to handle adding in new managers to the OKR program and how to help keep the organization engaged, excited and focused.

When an OKR Champion is properly trained, it is incredibly beneficial to both the champion and the organization. A properly trained OKR Champion will ensure OKR program success and will provide guidance to the entire organization on their OKR journey.

If you are looking to ensure you have chosen the right OKR Champion and/or take OKR Champion Training, then check out Atruity. They offer an online OKR Champion Training course that will teach you how to become an OKR master within your organization. Click here to find out more!