Renowned venture capitalist John Doerr unveils the powerful goal-setting system of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that has driven explosive growth for tech giants like Intel and Google—and how it can empower any organization to thrive. Back in 1999, Doerr invested $12.5 million in a startup led by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, impressed by their technology and ambition but lacking a solid business plan. For Google to succeed, Page and Brin needed to make tough decisions on priorities and keep their team on track. They had to recognize when to cut losses on failing ventures and fail fast. Additionally, they required timely, relevant data to measure progress and focus on what truly mattered.
Doerr introduced them to a proven approach to operating excellence: Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). He had first encountered OKRs during his time at Intel, where the legendary Andy Grove drove the best-run company Doerr had ever seen. As a venture capitalist, Doerr shared Grove’s brainchild with over fifty companies, and wherever it was implemented faithfully, it yielded remarkable results.
In the OKR system, objectives define the goals an organization seeks to achieve, while key results outline specific, measurable actions to accomplish those top-priority goals within a defined timeframe. This process fosters transparency, making everyone’s goals, from entry-level to CEO, visible throughout the organization. The benefits are significant: OKRs bring essential work to the forefront, enhance coordination, keep employees focused, unify efforts across departments, and ultimately strengthen the entire company. Moreover, they contribute to improved workplace satisfaction and higher retention rates.
In “Measure What Matters,” Doerr shares compelling first-person case studies, featuring insights from notable figures like Bono and Bill Gates, to illustrate how OKRs have driven focus, agility, and exceptional growth in various successful organizations. This book serves as a guide for a new generation of leaders, empowering them to harness the transformative potential of OKRs and achieve remarkable success in their endeavors.
