While Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are often associated with large organisations, they are just as valuable for smaller organisations. Far from being a box-ticking exercise, implementing OKRs in smaller organisations helps achieve sustainable growth and allows them to scale effectively. Implementing OKRs early on enables smaller businesses with big ambitions to prepare for growth in the right way, ensuring that as the company grows, strategy and culture are aligned, employees are engaged, and the most important challenges and opportunities are in the spotlight for the right outcomes to be achieved. When organisations follow an OKR approach they will achieve rapid scaling and avoid the chaos associated with that step-up from being a small to a medium sized player in their market.
Limited resources isn’t an excuse
Another way smaller businesses can really benefit from OKRs is that they provide focus and alignment when resources are limited. Larger companies tend to implement OKRs to align departments and resources that have drifted apart, but in smaller organisations, OKRs can ensure you’re building that alignment from the start, reducing the risk of silos and wasted effort.
Why Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)?
OKRs help smaller companies spotlight priorities and align teams, making the most of limited resources by ensuring everyone is focused on what will move the needle. Unlike traditional KPIs, which track regular performance, OKRs encourage cross-functional collaboration around high-impact growth initiatives.
Here’s an example of how to write a great OKR
Culture Change requires ongoing support
Getting the most out of OKRs isn’t just about setting goals, you need to create a shift in how people think and work together. This kind of culture change doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s where experienced OKR professionals prove their value. They help build the skills and habits within your team to keep OKRs effective and lasting. It’s about setting up a process that sticks, keeping everyone moving forward long after the initial push.
There Be Giants work with clients across the globe in a range of industries helping them to accelerate their growth through OKRs, you can see some results here.
OKRs as an ongoing process
Implementing OKRs in smaller organisations is not a one-time task. Regular two-week check-ins are essential for tracking progress and ensuring outcomes for each quarter. Regular OKR reviews also give you the opportunity for course correction when necessary, ensuring that your team stays aligned with the broader company goals.
Pilot OKRs in as little as 12 weeks and quickly see the difference
Our recommendation would be to start small. We’ve seen success with clients who started by piloting OKRs within one department and after reaping the rewards then expanded OKRs across their entire organisation. Remember, OKRs should grow with your business, adapting and evolving as your team scales.
By using a goal-setting methodology like OKRs smaller businesses will build a focused, agile, and high-performing team. Implementing OKRs sooner rather than later provides a foundation for scalable, sustainable growth. If you’re on the exciting journey of scaling your business, we’ve put together a guide just for you.