Why the End of Our Favorite OKR App Doesn’t Mean the End of OKRs

Why the End of Our Favorite OKR App Doesn’t Mean the End of OKRs

So, our favorite OKR app (Viva Goals) is riding off into the digital sunset. Perhaps the lead developers decided to pursue their true passion: Helping people decipher the deep, mysterious meanings behind text conversations filled with emojis. Either way, we’ll be left staring at the blinking cursor of uncertainty, wondering, “Is this the end of OKRs for me and my organization?”

Spoiler alert: It’s not. It shouldn’t be. And here’s why.

The App is the Tool, Not the Method

OKRs—Objectives and Key Results—are a methodology, not a piece of software. Apps are great because they help you organize, visualize, and track progress. But an app is just a messenger; the value lies in the method.

Imagine if Michelangelo had given up on the Sistine Chapel because someone stole his favorite paintbrush. Would he have thrown his hands up and said, “Oh well, I guess this ceiling will just stay blank”? Of course not. Great tools enhance the process, but they’re not the process itself.

Why OKRs Still Matter

Even without your beloved app, OKRs remain one of the most effective ways to align teams, prioritize work, and drive measurable results. Here’s a quick refresher on why they’re worth keeping:

1. Alignment: OKRs ensure that everyone’s rowing in the same direction. Whether your objective is to “Dominate the Midwest market” or “Make customer onboarding as smooth as a jazz sax solo,” key results keep teams focused on outcomes that matter.
2. Focus: Ever feel like you’re juggling 17 priorities, all of which are marked “Urgent”? OKRs force you to choose what really matters—and what doesn’t.
3. Accountability: Key results are measurable. You’re not just saying, “We’ll improve customer satisfaction.” You’re committing to “Improve customer satisfaction scores from 78% to 90% by Q2.” Numbers don’t lie.

 

Real-Life Examples of OKR Magic

Still skeptical? Let’s talk about some scenarios where OKRs can prove their worth:

Example 1: Sales Team on Fire

Objective: Boost sales in the APAC region.

Key Results:

• Increase APAC revenue from $5M to $7M.
• Secure 10 new enterprise clients in the region.
• Conduct five regional webinars with 500+ attendees each.

 

Outcome: The sales team had a clear roadmap and crushed it, hitting 110% of their revenue target.

Example 2: Product Team Perfection

Objective: Launch a new mobile app that users love.

Key Results:

• Achieve 100,000 downloads in the first three months.
• Maintain an average app store rating of 4.5 stars or higher.
• Reduce reported app crashes to less than 1%.

 

Outcome: The product team delivered a launch so smooth it was practically buttery. Users raved, and the app became a flagship success.

Example 3: Culture Overhaul

Objective: Create a workplace where employees thrive.

Key Results:

• Increase employee engagement scores from 72% to 85%.
• Reduce voluntary turnover to below 10%.
• Launch a mentorship program with 75% participation.

 

Outcome: Morale soared, turnover plummeted, and the mentorship program even spawned some delightful inter-department karaoke battles.

How to Keep the OKR Flame Alive

So, your favorite app is gone. What now? Here are some ways to keep your OKR process thriving:

1. Go Old School: Spreadsheets. They’re not sexy, but they’re functional. Excel, or even a whiteboard or Planner can get the job done.
2. Explore Alternatives: There are plenty of OKR apps out there, simple tools like Weekdone, Monday.com and Coda. Try a few and find what works for you.
3. Prioritize Rituals: The success of OKRs isn’t in the tool; it’s in the habits. Set regular check-ins, review progress, and recalibrate as needed.
4. Focus on the Why: Always come back to the purpose of OKRs. They’re not about tracking for tracking’s sake; they’re about achieving meaningful results.

 

Long Live OKRs

Our favorite app may be going away, but OKRs are here to stay. Don’t let a tool’s demise derail a methodology that has the power to transform teams and drive results.

And hey, who knows? Maybe the next app you find will be even better. Or maybe you’ll realize that OKRs, like the best things in life, don’t need bells and whistles—just a little clarity, a lot of commitment, and the occasional spreadsheet.

 

Connect with Tracey Meyer on LinkedIn for expert insights on Copilot and tune into "Tuesdays with Tracey" for professional AI tips and commentary!