OKRs Done Right: From Adoption to Strategic Operating System
Many businesses are using OKR tools. Only a few see real, organisation-wide impact.
At Change Stack Advisory, we specialise in closing the execution gap - turning OKRs from a pilot or software feature into your strategic operating rhythm.
Why OKRs?
OKR adoption is growing.
According to Fortune Business Insights:
Nearly 60% of businesses include OKRs in transformation programmes.
18% of organisations in the UK are using some kind of software to track OKRs, either via dedicated platforms or spreadsheets.
But here’s the problem:
46% of firms judge themselves below average at executing OKRs strategically.
Too often, organisations focus on the “software” of OKRs, forgetting that maturity depends on leadership, alignment, review, and culture.
That’s where Change Stack Advisory helps.
Your OKR journey with Change Stack Advisory
Leader & Team Assessment + 30-Day Value Outcome:
In month one, get clarity, leadership-level OKRs, starter dashboard, alignment.
Move through the maturity curve from Pilot to Adopted.
Monthly Retainer (6-12 months):
Coaching, actionable tools, team OKRs, behavioural reinforcement, regular reviews.
Progress through Embedded to Strategic OS.
Specialist Help:
Where needed (e.g. tool selection, cross-functional alignment, culture, behaviour and performance optimisation, portfolio strategies) to ensure sustainable execution.
Your first real OKRs in 30 days, not months
A monthly rhythm that ensures your OKRs don’t fade away
Expert guidance in OKR maturity: not just tools, but strategy, culture & execution
We bridge the gap between having OKR software and using OKRs as the engine of execution.
What success looks like:
Imagine this:
OKRs set and aligned across leadership, teams, and departments
Regular OKR reviews and retros embedded into your rhythm
Outcomes tracked, learnings captured, course corrections made
Tools, behaviours, culture, and leadership all reinforcing execution
That’s the difference Change Stack Advisory brings.
Our implementation journey:
Our OKR implementation journey mirrors our standard Change Stack Advisory programme - A FREE assessment, a 30-day tangible outcome, and ongoing execution support with specialist partner help where appropriate - but tied to the OKR Maturity Curve:
OKR FAQs
Do we need dedicated OKR software from the start?
Not necessarily. Most organisations benefit from starting simple — even with spreadsheets. Software helps once the basics are in place, but early focus should be on building the rhythm and behaviours.
How many OKRs is too many?
If everything is important, nothing is. We recommend no more than 3 objectives per team, each with 3 measurable key results. Too many OKRs dilute focus and make tracking unmanageable.
How long before we see value?
With the right support, you should see clarity and alignment within the first 30 days. Measurable impact usually shows within a quarter, especially if reviews and retros are embedded from the start.
What if teams resist OKRs?
Resistance is normal if OKRs are seen as “extra work” or “top-down targets.” The key is to involve teams in writing their OKRs, show how they connect to strategy, and treat them as a learning tool, not a performance stick.
What’s the difference between OKRs and KPIs?
We maintain that KPIs measure business-as-usual performance, and OKRs define what you want to change or improve. KPIs keep the lights on; OKRs push the business forward. Both are useful, but they serve different purposes.