Buying the best OKRs software? Here is the list of options to choose from
11 Things to take care of while buying an OKR Software
“Objectives and key results are the yin and yang of goal setting.”
John Doerr
As startups strive for agility in executing business strategies & meeting deadlines, having a system to align goals and track progress is a necessity. To keep up with this fast running and dynamic environment - The Objective & Key Results (OKRs) model - a revolutionary goal-setting process developed by Intel’s co-founder Andy Grove - is gaining serious momentum.
Gone are the days when OKRs would find their place on the spreadsheet (which will be pretty much scattered) and now deserves a software dedicated especially to flourish it. While it has been established that OKRs are the best way to align employee motivation with organizational goals, startups often face the challenge to select the best OKR tracking software that can cater to all their business requirements.
It is a well-known fact that OKRs have helped Google to grow from 40 to 40,000 employees in such a short time, the question that often presents itself is how to adopt a system like Google OKR software, especially when there is a pool of different options available for the OKRs software providers out there.
If you are wondering the same, sit back, and read till the end of the blog, as this serves to the exact question.
Here, we are listing down the critical factors you need to consider while deciding on the best OKR software for your startup.
Implementation time
Best OKR software should be Plug and Play instead of taking a long time in the implementation. The best OKRs app implementation timing varies from 15 days to 3 months. Opt for one that takes less time, fits your requirement, and is tailor-made for your startup.
Pro Tip: If possible avoid paying any implementation cost
Easy to use consumer-grade OKR software
As much as this sounds basic, it is one of the important aspects that need to be considered while opting for an OKR management platform. The software should be simple, engaging & accessible to everyone in the startup.
Pro Tip: You should check out the OKR application and all the features & functionalities
Easy check-in & OKRs tracking
The main aim to have the best OKR tracking software is to have super easy check-ins process & managers can track teams OKR status all the time. All in all the motive of the OKR software should be to help your startup to create aligned OKRs at all the levels, track them & constantly update their progress.
Pro Tip: You should create own & teams OKRs, do check-in and see how easy to track it
Quick glance at the OKRs
While OKRs software provides various options and features, the ability to quickly glance at the OKRs of the individuals, teams, functions & at the organization level, in the times of urgency is undoubtedly kept on the top shelf. Make sure the software you are opting for allows a quick glance at the OKRs on the homepage itself.
Pro Tip: Simple dashboard where you can easily access all the levels OKRs
Tools reinforcing best practices
Every business has a certain set of best practices that it follows throughout. While it might differ from startup to startup, there are a certain set of practices which remains common for all, like:
a. OKRs template supporting both committed OKRs & aspirational OKRs
b. OKRs to be aligned top to bottom & bottoms up
c. Weekly OKRs check-in rhythm
d. Transparency: Everyone in the organization can view each other’s OKRs
e. Quantifying the OKRs (measure what matters)
f. Being able to conduct value-oriented one-on-ones
g. Data-driven decisions
These, though seem like basic floor pointers hold the structure of the best OKRs software. Make sure your OKRs management software is enriched with these basic features.
Pro Tip: All the best practice templates should be ready to use
Inspiring collaboration & communications with purpose
It goes without saying that communication is the key to the smooth functioning of any startup. Modern leaders understand its importance and hence take initiatives to promote it at every level of the organization, which makes communication and in-app collaboration another important feature for top OKR software.
OKRs are meant to be shared, discussed, referenced, and acted upon. This will spark an open, agenda based communication across the startup. A dedicated and timely one-on-ones will help in taming red tape & silos that might exist in the organization.
Pro Tip: As remote work goes mainstream collaboration tool is a must-have
CFR in the app
CFR (Continuous conversation, Feedback, and Recognition) is the ultimate navigation tool for OKRs success
Software along with the CFR should also facilitate:
a. The manager can have a continuous conversation with reports
b. Can conduct meaningful one-on-ones
c.To be able to provide timely continuous feedback & recognition to the team and peers
d. Social praise across the startup
It is one factor that prompts users to stay updated and keep everyone engaged without creating any communication gap. This engagement is helpful in the continuous update on the progress of the OKRs on the platform which can then give a real-time picture of the project to the manager.
Pro Tip: CFR is the bridge to OKRs success
Visualizing complex alignments
Alignment is the key feature of OKR. It is not restricted only vertically but is spread through the functions. The visualization of alignment of the OKRs within the team and inter-team is hence another must-have in the OKR software. The OKR with the help of supported tools should be able to visualize the complex organizational structure and show everyone’s contribution towards each other and the organization.
Interface
The OKR application should have a web & mobile interface so that people can access the app anytime anywhere.
In-app training
It has often been seen that before being able to use the OKRs app, knowledge workers often need the training to be able to use the app, which, let’s accept is a cumbersome and tedious task. Make sure when you are buying an OKR software the software is self-explanatory and doesn’t require a huge amount of training.
Pro Tip: Always opt for a consumer-grade OKR application
Subscription cost
Startup or no startup, the cost is always a big consideration. For this generally, the best OKR software comes with a free trial period where the user can access all the features & functionalities. If the OKR app suits the user it can then go for the monthly subscription for the small team. And if everything works in favor, the startup can then opt-in for an annual subscription for the large team size. The key here is to opt for the software which provides more at a lesser cost and still takes care of all your requirements.
Pro Tip: Never buy an OKR software if it is not on the cloud, not sold as a SaaS & if there is no Free Trial. Opt for Pay per employee per month (PEPM) subscription model
Other important features
Now that we have covered the majority of the features, here is a list of some other important features that add the feather to the OKRs cap.
OKRs examples library helps setting up OKRs across the company
Ready to use best practices templates for one-on-ones, feedback & recognition helps kick-off the action from day 1
Work management: connected task & meeting notes for OKRs
OKRs and performance management goes hand in hand therefore software supporting 360 performance review would be helpful
Simple admin console to manage the entire OKR software
Downloadable & Dashboard Reports
Integration with HRIS, CRM & business applications
Strong product support
Look for a free OKR software to get a hang of it
You know what is a blessing for you though when you are searching for the best OKRs tool? A unified HR platform that serves all these business needs and still delivers power-pack results without letting you compromise with your mission and vision.
Here we are listing down a few names in the market that has changed the entire OKRs software & performance review software game:
InstaTal endeavor to be the best OKR software for startups
While selecting the best OKR software, keep in mind that it should hold the flexibility to align with your startup’s business stage & it’s strategies. An OKRs software is a complete fail if it doesn’t fit into your business needs.
It is always a good idea to check the customer reviews of the software before making the final decision in the adoption of talent management technology.
“To win in the global marketplace, organizations need to be more nimble than ever before.”
John Doerr
Psst, or you can save yourself the trouble and contact our experts, here.