Most OKRs fail because teams set them to get 100% and bonus. Google sets to hit 70% — stretch means growth.
Fix
- 1 objective = 2-3 KRs, all measurable: “Increase NPS 55→65” not “Improve service”.
- Grade 0-1.0: 0.7 = good, 1.0 = sandbagged (next quarter harder).
- Pair quantity + quality: “Ship 10 features” + “Bug <2%” — prevents gaming.
Calibration
Monthly check-in (15 min), not quarterly panic. Decouple OKR from bonus first year — link to promotion, not pay.
Template: BW OKR Sheet — auto colors if <0.4 red, 0.7 green.
Bottom line: Stretch on purpose, grade honestly, connect to customer outcome.