This month, let’s discuss Impact Mapping as the best way to create OKRs. If you’ve ever struggled with setting measurable, outcome-driven objectives, this approach is a game-changer.
Too often, teams treat OKRs as just another to-do list—a collection of tasks rather than a framework to drive meaningful change. But what if we shifted the focus? Impact Mapping, created by Gojko Adzic, helps teams craft OKRs directly linked to business and user outcomes, making them more actionable and effective.
Impact Mapping: The Best Approach to OKRs
Unlike traditional goal-setting methods, Impact Mapping ensures that every OKR starts with why before moving to what and how:
1- Define the Goal – What problem are we solving?
2- Identify the Actors – Who influences the outcome?
3- Determine the Impact – What behavior changes will lead to success?
4- List Deliverables – What actions or features will drive those changes?
📽️ See it in action – I created this video using Narakeet (one of Gojko’s products!) to showcase how Impact Mapping translates strategy into focused execution.
OKRs in Focus – Insights from Experts
To deepen our understanding of OKRs, I’m excited to revisit three episodes of Le Podcast on Emerging Leadership, each offering a unique perspective on how to set and execute OKRs effectively.
🎙 “Build a Product with Gojko Adzic“
Gojko shares his practical approach to building impactful products, emphasizing:
– How to avoid waste in product development
– The importance of measuring what matters
– How Impact Mapping clarifies OKRs by focusing on outcomes over outputs
🎙 “Radical Focus with Christina Wodtke“
Christina Wodtke, the author of Radical Focus, discusses:
– Why clear goals, roles, and norms matter in high-performing teams
– How exploratory OKRs drive innovation
– The role of accountability groups in making OKRs successful
🎙 “All About OKRs with Bart den Haak“
Bart den Haak, the author of Moving the Needle, brings over a decade of experience using OKRs in organizations, sharing:
– The difference between OKRs and other goal-setting frameworks (4DX, MBOs, Balanced Scorecard)
– Where to start with OKRs and common pitfalls to avoid
– How OKRs push teams out of their comfort zones while avoiding burnout
Bringing It All Together
By combining Impact Mapping, Radical Focus, and OKR best practices, you can create objectives that:
– Align with strategy rather than just listing tasks
– Focus on measurable, high-impact changes
– Encourage collaboration and adaptability
– Help teams continuously refine and improve their approach
So, as you refine your OKRs for the next quarter:
– How could Impact Mapping help you define more meaningful objectives?
– What behaviors need to change to achieve your key results?
– Are you using OKRs to drive learning and innovation, not just performance tracking?
Let’s discuss! Share your experiences and thoughts—I’d love to hear how OKRs and Impact Mapping have influenced your approach to leadership.
Wishing you a focused and high-impact month!