In this episode of Dreams with Deadlines, Jenny Herald welcomes Micaela Arizpe, Chief of Staff at Personio, to discuss the intricate challenges and strategies of scaling Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in a rapidly growing startup environment. Key Things Discussed: Navigating Growth and Process Evolution: Micaela shares her experience joining Personio at a pivotal growth stage with around 700 employees. She details how existing structures and processes began to show signs of strain under rapid expansion, emphasizing the necessity for process evolution and revamping, especially in communication, alignment, and effectiveness. Strategic Implementation and Evolution of OKRs: Delving into the role of OKRs, Micaela discusses their significance in maintaining focus, fostering autonomy, encouraging innovation, and ensuring transparency and alignment within a growing organization. She reveals how Personio adapted its OKR processes, including transitioning from simple tools like Google Sheets to more sophisticated systems, and how executive sponsorship played a vital role in the successful scaling of the OKR program. Cultivating a Network of OKR Champions: An intriguing aspect of Personio's journey is the development of an OKR Champion network. Micaela highlights how empowering these champions as subject matter experts and strategic partners in various departments was crucial. She also discusses adapting the OKR processes to remote and hybrid environments, ensuring continuous alignment and collaboration across expanding teams. Show Notes [00:00:06] Challenges of Scaling in a Fast-Growing Startup: Micaela discusses the initial challenges faced by Personio as it scaled, particularly the strain on existing structures and processes. She emphasizes the importance of evolving these elements to maintain efficiency and effectiveness. [00:04:16] The Role and Evolution of OKRs. Jenny and Micaela delve into how OKRs were utilized and adapted at Personio. Micaela highlights their role in focusing efforts, fostering innovation, and ensuring transparency and alignment within the growing organization. [00:08:09] Adapting OKRs for Remote Work and Collaboration. Jenny and Micaela cover the transition of OKR processes to suit remote and hybrid work environments. Micaela discusses the challenges and innovations in maintaining alignment and collaboration across geographically dispersed teams. [00:13:37] Principles Behind the OKR Program. Micaela reflects on whether the underlying principles of Personio's OKR program changed with scaling. She reiterates the consistent focus on core principles like focus, ownership, stretch, innovation, alignment, and transparency. [00:17:14] Strategic Priorities and Departmental OKRs. Jenny and Micaela shift to how strategic priorities feed into departmental OKRs at Personio, and the importance of aligning these with operational and financial planning. [00:48:00] Quick-Fire Questions for Micaela Arizpe: What is your dream with a deadline? Micaela shares her personal goal of publishing a poetry book, which she achieved by presenting it as a gift to her loved ones. What advice would you give folks who are scaling their OKR program? Micaela emphasizes the importance of executive sponsorship and ensuring collective commitment and involvement in the OKR process. What would you say is the most impactful lesson learned, maybe even failure, if you want to share, insight you've gained from your experience in scaling OKRs at Personio? Micaela advises focusing on training a network of OKR experts rather than creating rigid rules. She highlights the importance of decentralizing expertise to avoid becoming a bottleneck in the process. Relevant links: Masters of Scale Podcast by Reid Hoffman Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies by Reid Hoffman (Author), Chris Yeh (Author), Bill Gates (Foreword) About the Guest: Through years of experience in Customer Success, strategy and business operations, Micaela has worked with C-level executives in B2B SaaS to define and operationalize strategies that drive customer value. In her current role she helped scale Personio’s OKR framework into a robust program suitable to their current size of 1800 employees and beyond. Follow Our Guest: LinkedIn | Website Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this follow-up episode of Dreams With Deadlines, host Jenny Herald sits down once again with Kenneth Lewis, Co-Founder of OKR International. Building on their previous discussion about performance management and OKRs, they delve into new territories, shedding light on the nuanced application of OKRs in diverse industries. Key Things Discussed: Failure as a Stepping Stone: Kenneth shares compelling stories from companies that initially struggled with OKR adoption but eventually found success. He emphasizes the importance of learning from failure and approaching OKRs with a change management mindset. OKRs in Non-Tech Environments: The conversation pivots to the challenges and unique approaches required when implementing OKRs in non-tech industries. Kenneth discusses the need for context-specific strategies, balancing innovation with traditional business models, and the aspiration of non-tech companies to adopt progressive practices. Sustainable Use of OKRs: Addressing the potential for OKRs to become just another management fad, Kenneth argues for a more holistic approach. He advocates for integrating OKRs with organizational rituals, focusing on purpose, and recognizing the importance of conversations and feedback alongside goal setting. Show Notes [00:00:06] The Path of Failure to Success in OKR Adoption. Kenneth Lewis shares real-world stories about companies initially struggling with OKR adoption, reflecting on their failures and learning to eventually succeed in incorporating OKRs into their operational rhythm. [00:04:16] Implementing OKRs in Non-Tech Environments. Jenny and Kenneth shift to the challenges and nuances of implementing OKRs in non-tech industries. Kenneth highlights the differences in approach required for knowledge worker-based and labor-intensive non-tech companies. [00:08:09] The Endurance of OKRs and Avoiding the Hype Cycle. Kenneth addresses how OKRs can be sustained beyond the initial hype. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of understanding the intent and principles of OKRs, rather than rigidly sticking to frameworks [00:13:37] OKRs and Organizational Culture. Kenneth and Jenny delve into how OKRs can shape and influence organizational culture. They discuss the importance of adapting OKRs to align with the company's mission, work processes, and performance goals. [00:17:14] Customizing OKRs for Maximum Effectiveness. Jenny and Kenneth explore the customization of OKRs to fit different organizations. Kenneth stresses the need to consider various factors like company size, industry, and culture to effectively implement OKRs. [00:22:07] The Future of OKRs in Business. Jenny and Kenneth discuss the future of OKRs in business. Kenneth shares insights on the potential longevity of OKRs, how they can evolve, and the importance of adapting them to an organization's unique needs and aspirations.n making sense of changes and setting ambitious experiments to close gaps. Relevant links: Masters of Scale Podcast by Reid Hoffman High Output Management by Andy Grove Measure What Matters by John Doerr “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip and Dan Heath Conscious Business by Fred Kofman About the Guest: Kenneth's purpose is to be that eternal flame that ignites passion and performance in others. He is the founder of Atlas Learning, an investor and advisor at Purposetrade, Grassroute, and Docmode, and a consultant with multiple firms. He's also the Co-founder of OKR International, the world’s largest OKR training, coaching and consulting company. Follow Our Guest: LinkedIn | Atlas Learning | Purposetrade | Grassroute | Docmode | OKR International Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of "Dreams With Deadlines," host Jenny Herald welcomes Kenneth Lewis, co-founder of OKR International, to explore the dynamic world of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in business. With over two decades of experience and a rich history of working with renowned companies like Colgate, Swift, and Bosch, Kenneth delves deep into the practicalities and philosophies of OKRs. Key Things Discussed: The Journey to OKRs: Kenneth shares his personal and professional journey, revealing how a background in sales, teaching, and organizational development led him to the world of OKRs. His story highlights the transformational potential of OKRs in aligning strategy with execution, focusing on goals, and fostering organizational transparency. Integrating OKRs with Performance Management: The conversation delves into the nuances of combining OKRs with performance management systems. Kenneth outlines various approaches, such as the hybrid system where OKRs feed into performance assessments and the impact of this integration on employee engagement and organizational control. Real-World Applications and Challenges: Drawing from his extensive experience, Kenneth offers vivid examples from companies like Colgate-Palmolive and discusses the practical challenges and solutions in implementing OKRs. He emphasizes the importance of adapting OKRs to the organization's culture and goals, rather than strictly adhering to predefined frameworks. Show Notes [00:00:06] Introduction to Kenneth Lewis and OKR International. Jenny Herald introduces Kenneth Lewis, highlighting his extensive experience in business and his role as the co-founder of OKR International, the first OKR consulting company in India and Asia. [00:04:16] Kenneth Lewis's Origin Story and Discovery of OKRs. Kenneth shares his journey from being a sales professional and teacher to discovering OKRs, emphasizing his experiences in sales, teaching, and organizational culture that led him to this methodology. [00:08:09] Fundamentals and Misconceptions of OKRs. Kenneth discusses the basic principles of OKRs, addressing common misunderstandings and returning to the core ideas behind the methodology, as initially envisioned by Andy Grove and John Doerr. [00:13:37] OKRs in Relation to Budgets and Investments. Kenneth explains how OKRs interact with company budgets and investment strategies, using Colgate-Palmolive as a case study to illustrate how businesses can balance budget constraints with aspirational OKRs. [00:48:00] Quick-Fire Questions for Kenneth Lewis: Dream with a Deadline: Kenneth aspires to positively impact a million lives during his career and another million post-retirement. Additionally, he has a goal for one of his invested companies to reach $5 million in revenue by 2026. When things start to go sideways in OKR implementations, what advice do you give to turn things around? He emphasizes viewing challenges as learning opportunities and advises not to be too hard on oneself, but to learn from experiences and move forward. What do you believe is the role of the C-level, or the CEO even, in the OKR program? Kenneth believes that C-level executives should have a mix of conviction and hope in the OKR program, actively participate in it, and understand that OKRs are a means to a broader organizational goal, not the end in themselves. What is the single most impactful lesson or insight you've gained from your experience with OKRs and performance management within an organization? He finds that OKRs are fundamentally simple and effective for setting and achieving goals. Their simplicity and holistic approach make them a powerful tool for organizational development. Book That Shaped His Thinking: "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand has significantly influenced him, teaching him about human potential, the importance of reason, and aiming beyond perceived limitations. Relevant links: "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand "The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand About the Guest: Kenneth's purpose is to be that eternal flame that ignites passion and performance in others. He is the founder of Atlas Learning, an investor and advisor at Purposetrade, Grassroute, and Docmode, and a consultant with multiple firms. He's also the Co-founder of OKR International, the world’s largest OKR training, coaching and consulting company. Follow Our Guest: LinkedIn | Atlas Learning | Purposetrade | Grassroute | Docmode | OKR International Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of "Dreams With Deadlines," Jenny Herald sits down with Aaron Velek, Managing Consultant at Quantive, to delve deep into the world of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Key Things Discussed: The Role of OKR Champions: Aaron Velek provides a comprehensive view of what it means to be an OKR champion, emphasizing the importance of being a subject matter expert, a coach to leaders and teams, and a change agent in organizations. He shares insights into the qualities and skills essential for selecting OKR champions, such as problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and effective communication across organizational levels. Fostering a Community of OKR Champions: The conversation explores strategies for building and sustaining a community of OKR champions. Velek stresses the importance of regular training, meetings, and effective communication channels to ensure a unified understanding and approach to OKRs. He shares practical tips on organizing monthly meetups, developing comprehensive training modules, and using newsletters and technology to keep champions engaged and informed. Challenges and Success Stories in OKR Implementation: Velek shares real-world examples and success stories, particularly from his experience at SVB. He discusses how integrating OKRs into existing processes can lead to significant improvements and highlights the role of leadership and steering committees in navigating challenges and steering the OKR program towards success. Show Notes [00:00:00] Introduction. Jenny Herald introduces Aaron Velek and expresses excitement about having a colleague on the show. This sets the stage for the episode focused on OKRs. [00:00:09] Defining the Role of an OKR Champion. Discussion about what an OKR champion is, including their responsibilities and the importance of being a subject matter expert and a coach in the organization. [00:00:57] Qualities and Criteria for Selecting OKR Champions. Aaron Velek shares insights on the key qualities and criteria for selecting effective OKR champions, highlighting strategic mindset, organization skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. [00:01:37] Backgrounds and Experiences Ideal for OKR Champions. Exploration of the backgrounds and experiences that make someone an ideal candidate for an OKR champion, including roles like chief of staff and project management. [00:03:01] The Role of OKR Champions in Organizations. Discussion about the benefits of having in-house OKR champions compared to external OKR coaches, focusing on knowledge, experience, and embedding OKRs into the organization's rhythm. [00:03:48] Success Stories of OKR Implementation. Aaron shares success stories from his experience, highlighting the impact of effective OKR implementation and the role of champions in change management. [00:04:44] Responsibilities and Challenges for OKR Champions. Jenny and Aaron cover the key responsibilities of OKR champions, including leading workshops, facilitating events, and providing personalized coaching. [00:11:00] Building a Community of OKR Champions. Aaron discusses strategies for fostering a community of OKR champions, including training, frequent meetings, and asynchronous communication tools like Slack or Teams. [00:14:42] The Importance of Continuous Training and Learning. Detailed exploration of the training process for OKR champions, including fundamental, advanced, and coaching aspects, and the importance of continuous learning. [00:17:38] Utilizing Newsletters and Technology in OKR Programs. Discussion on the use of newsletters and technology to keep people engaged in the OKR program, and how these tools support the work of OKR champions. [00:23:10] Measuring the Success of an OKR Program. Aaron talks about how to measure the success of an OKR program, including engagement and adoption metrics, and the use of a maturity index. [00:24:17] The Role of the Steering Committee. A look into the role and assembly of the steering committee in guiding and supporting the OKR program, including facing obstacles and decision-making. [00:26:27] Quick-Fire Questions for Aaron Velek: What is your dream with a deadline? Aaron mentions his commitment to continuous learning without a specific deadline, making it an ongoing journey. On a personal note, he dreams of seeing his children grow up successfully in a good world, which is a constant goal for him. What strong opinions do you have about how OKRs should or should not be used? Aaron emphasizes the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than tasks or projects when using OKRs. He advises keeping the conversation around outcomes and the 'why' of OKRs to avoid turning them into mere task trackers. For an OKR champion lead about to start out, what would you suggest should be the first thing they do? Aaron recommends that new OKR champions should seek out and speak with experienced champions to understand their journey and focus areas for long-term development. What's the value of bringing someone external to help the OKR champions internally with their OKR program? Aaron highlights the value of external OKR coaches, noting that many companies lack dedicated internal resources with extensive experience in launching OKR programs. He suggests that external coaches can help launch or get programs back on track, bringing in-depth experience and knowledge. Book That Shaped Your Thinking: Aaron cites "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink as influential in shaping his mindset. He appreciates the book's focus on prioritizing critical tasks and not becoming overwhelmed, which has guided his approach to project and program management, as well as OKRs. Relevant links: "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin About the Guest: Aaron Velek, Managing Consultant at Quantive, is an expert in OKR methodology with a focus on strategic planning and change management. Known for his work at SVB, he specializes in coaching and developing OKR champions in various organizations. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode, Eleanor Manley, Co-Founder of Metta Space, delves into the critical issue of workplace misconduct and violence, shedding light on the startling statistics and the profound impact it has on organizations and individuals. Eleanor shares valuable insights into the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces, the role of technology in preventing and resolving workplace misconduct, and the need for data-driven strategies to address this pervasive problem. Key Things Discussed: Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces: Eleanor emphasizes the significance of fostering psychologically safe environments where employees can confidently report misconduct. Leveraging Technology for Prevention and Resolution: Eleanor explains how Metta Space employs technology, ensuring privacy and advocating for reduced resolution times in addressing workplace misconduct. Empowering Employees and Normalizing Reporting: Eleanor underscores the importance of empowering employees to report misconduct while challenging the misconception that fewer reports signify a safe workplace and discussing the complexities of addressing misconduct. Show Notes [00:00:00] Introduction to Workplace Violence and Harassment: Jenny introduces Eleanor Manley, CEO of Metta Space, discussing the complexities of defining workplace violence and harassment. [00:01:46] Identifying and Addressing Workplace Misconduct: Jenny and Eleanor explore various forms of workplace misconduct, highlighting its impact and the challenges of identification. [00:06:15] The Hidden Costs of Unreported Workplace Misconduct. Jenny and Eleanor discuss the financial consequences of unreported misconduct and the need for data-driven solutions. [00:07:56] Understanding the Root Causes of Workplace Misconduct. They delve into reasons behind the persistence of misconduct, including zero-tolerance approaches and cultural factors. [00:09:38] Legislation, Rights, and Resolution of Workplace Misconduct. Discussion on laws like POSH and the importance of swift internal resolution. [00:12:21] Addressing Workplace Misconduct at the Highest Levels. Jenny and Eleanor discuss Eleanor's invitation to speak at NATO on International Women's Day. They focus on the importance of addressing workplace misconduct to retain and empower women in STEM fields, including the challenges faced by military organizations in reporting misconduct. [00:13:47] The Crucial Role of Psychological Safety in Workplace Effectiveness. The role of psychological safety in workplace effectiveness and its impact on team productivity. [00:15:22] Leveraging Technology for Safer Work Environments. Eleanor discusses Metta Space and technology's role in prevention, reporting, and resolution. [00:20:16] Practical Steps for Creating Safe Work Environments. Jenny and Eleanor discuss practical steps that organizations and leaders can take to create safe work environments. Eleanor explains the importance of implementing clear goals and frameworks, breaking them down into pillars like prevention, reporting, and resolution. She also highlights the value of training to help employees empathize with different situations and understand the nuances of workplace misconduct. [00:22:45] Empowering Employees to Speak Up and Measuring Resolution Effectiveness. The importance of empowering employees to speak up and viewing case reporting positively. [00:24:27] Understanding the Distinction Between Breach of Code of Conduct and Breach of Law. Jenny and Eleanor discuss the distinction between a breach of a code of conduct and a breach of the law in the context of workplace misconduct. Eleanor explains that the majority of cases are breaches of a code of conduct, which may not necessarily require legal action. She emphasizes the importance of providing evidence gathering tools for individuals reporting misconduct to strengthen their case. [00:26:29] Envisioning a Future of Safe and Empowered Workplaces. Eleanor's goal of normalizing safe workplaces with data-driven support. [00:28:15] Strategies to Accelerate Resolution Time in Workplace Misconduct Cases. Strategies for organizations to reduce resolution time in misconduct cases. [00:33:00] Quick-Fire Questions for Eleanor Manley: What is your dream with a deadline? Normalize creating safe and empowered workplaces within all organizations through prevention, reporting, and resolution of workplace misconduct. What do you appreciate most about your team? Open communication, having each other's backs, and speaking up when something feels true and right. Greatest Challenge as a Leader: Lack of statistics on workplace misconduct and educating organizations about the need for data-driven approaches. Metta Space’s Ideal Customer Profile: Organizations with more than 100 employees, especially those with limited HR resources. Starting with Workplace Misconduct Policies: Have strong policies and employee handbooks but ensure they are living documents with constant reminders. Intrinsic Motivation: Empowering more women in tech and creating safe workplaces where individuals can excel without facing misconduct. Contributing Factors to Exodus from STEM: Poor managerial relationships are a significant reason for people leaving organizations. Book That Shaped Your Thinking: "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell, emphasizing trusting instincts and the power of intuition. Relevant links: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being The U.S. Surgeon General Workplace Well-Being PoSH Act International Women's Day 2023: NATO Presents – Innovators and Game Changers: Women in Tech Shaping the Future Google’s Project Aristotle “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking,” by Malcolm Gladwel About the Guest: Eleanor Manley is the CEO of Metta Space, which helps companies prevent, report & resolve workplace misconduct. Specializing in NLP, she heads up AI, Analytics & RevOps. She has been a guest speaker at NATO and Bosch. Personally, Eleanor advocates for more women and marginalized groups to join tech, both with Metta Space’s mission and mentorship. Follow Our Guest: LinkedIn | Website | X Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | X

In this episode, we dive into the world of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and explore the critical aspect of OKR check-ins. Our guest, Christian Ulstrup, shares valuable insights and practical advice on making OKR check-ins effective. Key Things Discussed: The Power of Weekly OKR Check-Ins: Discover why having weekly OKR check-in meetings can be a game-changer for your organization. Christian emphasizes the importance of regularity, accountability, and momentum. Balancing Art and Science: Learn how OKR check-ins require a delicate balance of science (quantitative metrics) and art (effective questions and facilitation). Find out how to make sense of confidence scores, set ambitious experiments, and avoid status update pitfalls. Reflecting for Long-Term Success: Christian outlines the significance of end-of-quarter reflections and how they contribute to sustained OKR success. Explore the concepts of "spiritually correct" and "technically correct" key results, as well as the idea of heroic narratives to shape your company culture. Show Notes [00:00:06] Navigating OKR Check-Ins Through Dante's Inferno. Christian Ulstrup discusses the three stages of OKR check-ins inspired by Dante's Inferno and how they can lead from the tedious "Status Update Hell" to the enjoyable "Weekly Sync Heaven." [00:04:16] The Purpose of OKR Meetings and Integration with Existing Practices. Jenny and Christian explore the fundamental question of why organizations should have OKR meetings. They discuss whether OKRs should be integrated into existing practices, and Christian emphasizes the importance of aligning OKRs with the organization's goals and the nature of the work being done. [00:08:09] Overcoming Challenges and Shifting Mindset in OKR Meetings. Christian Ulstrup discusses the size criteria for implementing OKR meetings, emphasizing that OKRs can work at various stages of a company's lifecycle, from startups to larger organizations. He also addresses the challenge of shifting the mindset from dull meetings to engaging, productive ones. [00:13:37] Understanding Confidence Scores and the Role of Stewards in OKRs. Christian Ulstrup explains the concept of confidence scores in the context of OKRs. He describes how confidence scores are used to assess the likelihood of achieving key results and discusses the role of stewards in providing these scores. [00:17:14] Developing Discernment and Leveraging Information Sources for Accurate Scores. Christian Ulstrup discusses the importance of attention, discernment, and decision-making in the context of OKRs, and provides insights into developing discernment and using various sources of information for accurate confidence scores. [00:22:07] Structure and Execution of Weekly OKR Meetings. Christian Ulstrup discusses the structure and execution of weekly OKR meetings. He provides details on the recommended duration, key topics to cover, and the roles of participants, including stewards and facilitators. The discussion also touches on accountability, confidence scores, and how to focus the meeting on making sense of changes and setting ambitious experiments to close gaps. [00:31:25] Success Stories of Engaging Weekly OKR Meetings. Christian Ulstrup shares success stories from organizations that have effectively implemented weekly OKR meetings. He highlights the key indicators of success, including the movement of confidence scores, which indicate that teams are actively pushing boundaries and learning. Christian also emphasizes the importance of novelty and familiarity in making these meetings engaging, drawing a parallel to serialized TV shows. He recounts a pivotal pivot decision made during one meeting and discusses the excitement that arises when team members set ambitious goals and exceed their own expectations. [00:36:36] Check-In Traps to Watch Out For in Weekly OKR Meetings. Christian Ulstrup discusses potential pitfalls and check-in traps that organizations should be aware of in weekly OKR meetings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate confidence scores, avoiding status update-focused meetings, and upholding the commitment to regular meetings. [00:40:54] Sustaining OKRs Beyond Check-Ins. Christian Ulstrup and Jenny Herald explore how organizations can sustain the use of OKRs beyond their weekly check-in meetings by conducting meaningful reflections at the end of each quarter, focusing on the spiritual and technical correctness of key results, and highlighting heroic narratives that reinforce company culture and values. [00:48:00] Quick-Fire Questions for Christian Ulstrup: Dream with a Deadline: Christian shares his dream with a deadline, which involves turning his AI-enhanced code, designed to mine and highlight interesting moments in meetings, into a monetized product. He envisions this product helping organizations extract valuable insights from their recorded meetings. Common OKR Mistake: Christian points out that one common mistake people make when adopting OKRs is becoming overly focused on being objective-driven. While OKRs are powerful, he emphasizes the importance of balancing them with unbounded exploration and exploration outside the scope of objectives and key results. Book That Shaped His Thinking: Christian mentions the book titled "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned: The Myth of the Objective" by Kenneth Stanley as a significant influence on his thinking. He recommends this book to anyone interested in OKRs as it complements the OKR process by highlighting the importance of unbounded exploration and breakthrough thinking. Relevant links: “The Divine Comedy,” by Dante Alighieri “Dilbert,” American comic strip written and illustrated by Scott Adams “Office Space,”directed by Mike Judge “Radical Focus: Achieving Your Most Important Goals with Objectives and Key Results,” by Christina Wodtke “Succession,” the TV series “Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned: The Myth of the Objective," by Kenneth Stanley About the Guest: Christian Ulstrup specializes in OKR implementation for executive teams across industries, from tech startups to healthcare services. He complements OKRs with custom AI integrations, streamlining focus on key objectives and automating tasks. He holds degrees from MIT and Duke. Follow Our Guest: LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, we delve into the world of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) with the expert, Mark Spitzer. Mark is a seasoned coach and consultant who specializes in helping organizations leverage OKRs to drive meaningful change and achieve their goals. Key Things Discussed: OKRs as a Catalyst for Transformation: Learn how OKRs go beyond metrics to inspire innovation and creativity within organizations. Balancing Run-the-Business and Change-the-Business Objectives: Find out how OKRs can drive both incremental improvements and groundbreaking change. Achieving Alignment and Cross-Functionality: Explore practical strategies for fostering alignment and innovation across teams. Show Notes [00:00:00] Becoming an Effective Leader through OKRs. Jenny introduces Mark Spitzer, President of Spitzer Coaching, an experienced OKR and leadership expert, discussing effective leadership, creativity, vision, relationships, and motivation as essential leadership elements. They delve into the significance of OKRs as a tool to capture, communicate, and track critical goals. [00:02:23] Mark Spitzer's OKR Origin Story. Mark shares his journey, transitioning from software development to Agile coaching, and how he discovered OKRs through Felipe Castro, realizing they provide the missing link for goal alignment and shared purpose in organizations. [00:04:16] OKR Champion vs. OKR Coach: Key Differences. Mark distinguishes between the roles of an OKR champion and an OKR coach, highlighting their respective responsibilities in defining strategy and facilitating team success. [00:06:13] Seven OKR Coaching Competencies. Mark presents seven vital OKR coaching competencies that empower coaches to facilitate change, ensure accountability, and manage organizational challenges effectively. [00:09:12] Transitioning to OKRs. Mark provides guidance on adopting OKRs, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals, gradual integration, and maintaining a focus on outcomes. [00:13:37] Identifying Teams for OKRs. Mark explains how to select teams for OKR implementation, especially in large organizations, highlighting the role of supportive leaders and teams engaged in high-impact projects. [00:22:01] OKRs as Dreams with Deadlines. Mark discusses his perspective that OKRs are "dreams with deadlines," emphasizing their role as an inspiration and motivation tool within organizations. He explains how setting ambitious goals with deadlines can spark creativity and innovation among teams, leading to more impactful outcomes. [00:24:27] Using OKRs to Improve Existing Metrics. Mark discusses OKRs' versatility, applicable to both visionary and improvement-oriented objectives, underlining the importance of context and balance. [00:27:35] Establishing Proof with OKRs: Dreams with Deadlines. Mark explains the concept of "ground shots" and advocates for using confidence scores to set impactful key results and maintain motivation. [00:34:24] Tips for Leaders on Achieving Vertical and Horizontal Alignment with OKRs. Mark shares insights into vertical and horizontal alignment, stressing the value of effective communication, active listening, and emotional intelligence. [00:41:48] Fostering Alignment Through Common Purpose and Clarity. Mark underscores the importance of finding common purpose through team exercises that connect to higher-level goals, fostering alignment and clarity. [00:46:10] The Importance of Strategic Thinking. Mark encourages organizations to make room for strategic thinking, allowing teams to explore innovative solutions and envision a more significant impact. [00:47:28] Quick-Fire Questions for Mark Spitzer: Dream with a Deadline: Mark Spitzer's dream with a deadline is to make the biggest impact possible on leaders in organizations for the remainder of his career. Common OKR Mistake: Mark believes that many people, when new to OKRs, tend to focus too much on activity accounting, feeling the need to list everything they're doing rather than aligning their efforts with meaningful objectives and key results. Best Starting Point for OKR Practice: Mark suggests that beginners should start by getting clear on what they do, who they do it for, what success looks like, and identifying opportunities within their space. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of starting roadmaps to articulate opportunities and select one for an OKR. Future of OKRs: Mark's dream for the future of OKRs is to see them integrated into organizations' regular routines, impactful in helping companies evolve and make customers happy. He hopes that OKRs become a lasting and meaningful practice. Influential Book: One of the books that has significantly influenced Mark Spitzer's thinking is "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown. He values the book's lessons on vulnerability, authenticity, and taking risks. Relevant links: “Radical Focus: Achieving Your Most Important Goals with Objectives and Key Results,” by Christina Wodtke “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.,” by Brené Brown About the Guest: Mark is a highly skilled professional coach (ICF PCC, ORSC-Trained), trainer, and consultant with over 30 years of experience working in technology, agile adoption, and management consulting – including OKRs. He partners with leaders to support their own growth and bring about positive organizational change that helps them achieve their goals. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this special episode of "Dreams with Deadlines," Dr. Jennifer Jacobs, a former nuclear physicist and White House fellow, shares her inspiring journey from the world of nuclear counterterrorism to founding Connect Our Kids, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to transforming the foster care system. Key Things Discussed: The Foster Care Landscape: Dr. Jacobs delves into the staggering statistics surrounding foster care in the United States, shedding light on the number of children in foster care, the challenges they face, and the financial implications of the current system. She emphasizes the critical importance of permanent, loving families for these children. Empowering Social Workers with Data-Driven Tools: Discover how technology is revolutionizing the foster care system. Dr. Jacobs introduces Connect Our Kids' innovative software, "Family Connections," which empowers social workers to efficiently connect foster children with their families and support networks. The software's success stories, like that of Abby, highlight its transformative impact. An Audacious Goal for the Future: Dr. Jacobs reveals Connect Our Kids' audacious goal for the next decade: to ensure that every child and family affected by foster care or at risk of foster care is connected with their people, their relationships. The organization envisions a future where social workers prioritize maintaining children's connections with their families and loved ones, ultimately changing the landscape of foster care. Show Notes [00:00:00] Introduction. Dr. Jennifer Jacobs, a former nuclear physicist and White House fellow, discusses her transition from nuclear counterterrorism to founding Connect Our Kids, inspired by reading a Time Magazine article about foster care. [00:04:10] The Foster Care Landscape: Statistics and Costs. Dr. Jacobs shares staggering statistics about foster care, including the number of children, their age when aging out, and the dire consequences faced by those who do. She also explores the financial implications of the current foster care system. [00:09:39] Transforming Social Work: Shifting Focus from Beds to Families. Dr. Jacobs highlights the challenges faced by social workers within the foster care system and the need to shift focus from finding beds for children to placing them with their own families and trusted individuals. [00:12:12] Empowering Social Workers with Data-Driven Tools and Transforming Lives. Dr. Jacobs discusses the pivotal role of technology in empowering social workers to connect foster children with their families and support networks. Dr. Jennifer Jacobs introduces the Connect Our Kids software, Family Connections, and explains how it mimics intelligence-style software to efficiently organize and search for crucial data. The discussion emphasizes the collaborative nature of the software and its potential to streamline social work processes, ultimately benefiting both social workers and the children they serve. The segment concludes with a heartwarming success story about Abby, illustrating the profound impact of reconnecting children with their families. [00:19:25] The Quantitative Impact: Transforming Lives and Society. Dr. Jacobs focuses on the financial costs associated with youth aging out of foster care without support and the substantial return on investment (ROI) achievable by redirecting resources to support these youth. The estimated ROI is over 20,000%. [00:31:15] An Audacious Goal: Connecting Children with Their People. Dr. Jacobs reveals Connect Our Kids' audacious goal to ensure that every child and family affected by foster care or at risk of foster care is connected with their people, their relationships. The organization envisions a future where social workers prioritize maintaining children's connections with their families and loved ones. [00:35:12] Quick-Fire Questions for Dr. Jennifer Jacobs: What are the current challenges that you think are potentially roadblocks or obstacles to getting to that 10-year-goal? The main challenge is the resistance to change inherent in established systems, which tends to reinforce itself, making change difficult. What Keeps You Going? The stories of individuals like Abby, whose lives have been positively impacted by Connect our Kids' work, serve as powerful motivation, despite bureaucratic challenges and setbacks. Books or Articles That Shaped Thinking. Dr. Jennifer Jacobs mentioned the book "Foster Girl" by Georgia Todd, a team member who shared her brutally honest experiences in foster care, as well as other books and articles that offer detailed accounts of why children end up in challenging situations within the child welfare system and how bureaucracy and decisions can contribute to these issues. Relevant links: “Foster Girl, a Memoir,” by Georgette Todd “Being Too Fierce,” by Lisa Cohen About the Guest: Dr. Jennifer Jacobs - CEO and co-founder of Connect Our Kids, a non-profit that helps connect foster kids with their families. Jennifer was working as a nuclear counter-terrorism expert when she noticed similarities with the foster care space. Connect Our Kids software now helps keep kids in care connected with their families. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Dreams with Deadlines, host Jenny Herald dives deep into the world of product management with guest Itamar Gilad, author of the newest book, "Evidence-Guided: Creating High-Impact Products in the Face of Uncertainty." Key Things Discussed: Evidence-Guided Product Management: Itamar emphasizes the importance of making evidence-based decisions in product management. He shares how to set clear goals and align them with company objectives, enabling teams to focus on what truly matters. The AFTER Model: Itamar introduces the AFTER model—a comprehensive framework that covers Assessment, Fact-finding, Tests, Experiments, and Release Results. This model guides product managers in evaluating and testing ideas effectively, leading to better decision-making. Common Mistakes with OKRs: Itamar addresses misconceptions about Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), emphasizing the need for outcome-based OKRs rather than focusing on output. He also warns against the common mistake of creating too many OKRs, which can hinder commitment and trust within teams. Show Notes [00:00:07] Introduction to "Evidence-Guided: Creating High Impact Products in the Face of Uncertainty. Jenny Herald introduces the newest book "Evidence-Guided: Creating High Impact Products in the Face of Uncertainty" by Itamar Gilad. Itamar shares the opening story of Google+ and why it was chosen to lead the book. [00:03:43] The Pitfalls of Planning Waterfall in Product Development. Jenny and Itamar discuss the concept of the planning waterfall and why it's not an effective approach in product development. [00:06:36] Understanding Evidence-Guided Development. Jenny and Itamar delve into the concept of evidence-guided development and explore why Itamar is so passionate about sharing this approach with the world. [00:08:21] The GIST Model: A Framework for Evidence-Guided Development. Jenny and Itamar discuss the GIST model, a foundational framework in evidence-guided development, and its importance in helping organizations embrace change and innovation. [00:11:22] From Idea to Reality: The Tabbed Inbox and Evidence-Based Development. Jenny and Itamar discuss the development of Gmail's tabbed inbox as an example of evidence-based development within the GIST model framework. [00:18:10] Prioritizing Ideas with the Confidence Meter. Jenny and Itamar discuss the confidence level meter, a framework for prioritizing ideas based on evidence and confidence. Itamar explains how this tool helps product teams avoid investing in ideas with low confidence and guides them towards incremental development. [00:24:55] Setting Evidence-Guided Goals. Jenny and Itamar discuss the importance of setting evidence-guided goals and how to choose the most important outcomes. Itamar explains why goals are crucial, regardless of whether you use OKRs or other frameworks, and emphasizes the need for both qualitative and quantitative aspects in goal setting. [00:31:22] Balancing Local Optimization with a Bigger Picture. Jenny and Itamar delve into the challenge of avoiding local optimization while setting evidence-guided goals. They discuss the importance of aligning team goals with the company's overarching strategy and how metrics and impact assessments can play a role in achieving this alignment. [00:37:03] Using the AFTER Model for Effective Idea Validation. Jenny and Itamar explore the AFTER model, a framework Itamar developed to help teams define steps for idea validation. The AFTER model stands for Assessment, Fact-Finding, Test Experiments, and Release Results. Itamar explains how each stage in the model contributes to the validation process, from initial idea assessment to controlled experiments and gradual product releases. [00:43:58] Quick-Fire Questions for Itamar: What is your dream with a deadline? Itamar's dream with a deadline is to help product people bring evidence-guided thinking into their product development process, ultimately leading to better products, higher value, and greater job satisfaction for everyone involved. What do people get wrong about OKRs? People often make two common mistakes with OKRs: using them to capture a plan (output OKRs) instead of focusing on outcomes, and creating too many OKRs, which leads to lack of commitment and trust in the process. When can we expect your book to be released? The target release date for Itamar's book is September 20th, with a possibility of it being released a few days later or by the end of September. What would you say is the book that largely shaped how you think? Two books have significantly shaped Itamar's thinking: "INSPIRED" by Marty Cagan, which is highly influential in the product management field, and "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, which introduced the concept of evidence-guided development and the interplay between business and product development. Relevant links: “Evidence-Guided: Creating High-Impact Products in the Face of Uncertainty,” by Itamar Gilad GIST Framework ICE and The Confidence Meter Wizard of Oz tests Andy Grove The Four Big Risks by Marty Cagan “INSPIRED," by Marty Cagan Idea Validation Methods David J. Bland "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries About the Guest: Itamar is a product management coach, author and speaker and the creator of a number of popular product methodologies. He held senior product management and engineering roles for two decades at Google, Microsoft and a number of startups. Itamar is the author of the book Evidence-Guided, and he publishes a popular product management newsletter. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, host Jenny Herald interviews Tim Herbig, a seasoned expert on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). They unpack the deeper facets of this management tool that's taking the corporate world by storm: Key Things Discussed: Journey with Tim as he retraces his formative years with OKRs, shedding light on the challenges of top-down implementations. Emphasizing utility over form, he makes a case for the importance of day-to-day applicability of OKRs in organizations. Delve into the resistance faced by product teams towards OKRs, especially when established strategies are in place. Tim’s pragmatic approach champions the integration of OKRs with current team practices, ensuring they bring tangible value to daily operations. Navigate the intricate relationship between OKRs and product strategy. With a spotlight on the essence of strategy, Tim guides listeners on making strategic choices that can be tracked effectively with OKRs, bridging the gap between grand visions and actionable metrics. Show Notes [00:00:31] Discovering OKRs: A Personal and Professional Evolution. Tim Herbig's journey with OKRs began at XING, evolving through challenges and insights. He underlines the issue of top-down OKRs without clarity and stresses their day-to-day utility. [00:02:37] Bridging the Gap: Ensuring OKRs Reflect Everyday Utility and Purpose. Tim Herbig dissects the outcomes vs. outputs debate, emphasizing OKRs' bridge role between mission and daily tasks. OKRs should be flexible tools, reflecting real team tasks and challenges. [00:05:44] Marrying OKRs with Established Practices: Pragmatism Over Dogma. Jenny and Tim explore why product teams resist OKRs. Tim advocates for intertwining OKRs with current practices like sprint planning, emphasizing their practical day-to-day value. [00:08:56] Making Pragmatic Choices: How OKRs Bridge Product Strategy to Everyday Work. The dialogue between Jenny Herald and Tim Herbig delves deep into the intersection of OKRs and product strategy. Tim highlights recognizing strategy's essence, making impactful choices, and then tracking progress with OKRs. [00:14:06] Marrying OKRs with Product Discovery: From Outcomes to Behaviors. Jenny and Tim discuss tracking team/user behaviors and predicting product success using OKRs. [00:20:54] Embracing 'Better' Practices in OKRs Over 'Best' Practices. Jenny Herald and Tim Herbig delve into the nuances of better practices (adaptive and relative methods) as opposed to rigid best practices, highlighting five critical 'better practices' for effective and practical application of OKRs. [00:24:11] Aligning OKRs with Organizational Capabilities and Structures. Jenny Herald prompts Tim Herbig to share insights on the challenges faced by organizations when their desired objectives do not align with their current capabilities or structures. Tim elaborates with stories that exemplify the discrepancies between organizational structures and the application of OKRs. [00:28:52] Aligning the Cadence of Product Delivery with Outcomes. Jenny Herald and Tim Herbig discuss the challenge of synchronizing the cadence of product delivery with the desired outcomes. They ponder on the nuances of how teams should approach measuring meaningful progress, especially when direct results may not be immediately evident. [00:30:07] The Art of Developing Leading Indicators in Product Delivery. Jenny Herald and Tim Herbig delve deeper into the concept of leading and lagging indicators in relation to key results. They discuss the challenges, conceptual considerations, and the dynamism of creating proxies and leading indicators. [00:35:37] Quick-Fire Questions for Tim: What is your dream with a deadline? Tim's dream with a deadline is to do a solo travel to Tel Aviv in the next two years. When someone says they failed with OKRs previously and want to try again, what's your advice? Tim advises them to first clarify why they want to use OKRs in the first place. What's a good reason for using OKRs? The ideal reason is to enable team autonomy and outcome thinking. A more pragmatic reason is to ensure people work on the right things and maintain strategic focus. Which book largely shaped how you think? Both in general and related to OKRs. For general thinking, "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach influenced him the most. Regarding OKRs, he credits "Radical Focus" by Christina Wodtke and "OKRs at the Center" co-written by Natalija and Sonja. Relevant links: “Radical Acceptance,” book by Tara Brach “The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness,” book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga “Radical Focus,” book by Christina Wodtke, American businessperson and specialist in the area of design thinking, information architecture and Management Science (specializing in objectives and key results (OKR) and team productivity.) “OKRs At The Center: How to use goals to drive ongoing change and create the organization you want,” by Natalija Hellesoe and Sonja Mewes Linked Better Practices over Stacked Best Practices About the Guest: Tim Herbig is a seasoned Product Management Coach and Consultant. He is passionate about helping product teams develop better practices to measure the progress of their decisions. Tim masterfully connects Strategy, OKRs, and Product Discovery. Tim has worked on solving hard business problems and driving user behaviors in diverse product contexts. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, host Jenny Herald dives into the dynamic world of marketing with Renata Lerch. Renata shares her career journey, highlighting the evolution of marketing's role beyond departmental boundaries and the integration of operational strategies in creating a seamless brand experience. From her extensive global experience to her deep dive into different methodologies, Renata explores how these frameworks have shaped her approach to marketing. Key Things Discussed: The integration of operational strategies in marketing, aligning it with broader organizational goals. The power of blending frameworks to foster adaptation and team buy-in. Practical insights into applying methodologies in marketing for improved collaboration, prioritization, and iterative success. Show Notes [00:00:38] The Evolution of Marketing and Agile Methods. Renata discusses her career journey, integrating operations into marketing for a cohesive brand experience. She mentions Lean, Six Sigma, Scrum, and Agile methodologies' impact, emphasizing the need for framework-agnostic approaches with systems and design thinking. [00:04:21] Applying Scrum in a Marketing Environment: Team Composition and Roles. The discussion highlights roles in Scrum translated to marketing teams. The product owner's role as a liaison is crucial, and the scrum master role's absence in small marketing teams is discussed. [00:09:03] Applying Empiricism and Lean Thinking in Marketing: Mindset and Frameworks. Renata stresses mindset shifts, invoking consumer perspectives, fostering collaboration, and using frameworks for decision-making and campaign building. Transparency, data democratization, and benefit mapping are highlighted. [00:14:14] Scrum Ceremonies in Marketing: Sprint Planning and Retrospectives. The importance of sprint planning, flexible sprint duration, and the significance of retrospectives in recognizing wins and enhancing team dynamics is discussed. [00:18:50] Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives: Combining or Delineating? Renata talks about the choice between separate or combined sprint reviews and retrospectives, based on agile marketing leaders' preferences and organization size. [00:20:02] Aligning Backlog, Product Goals, and Sprint Goals in Marketing. Prioritization, deadlines, and the interconnectedness of marketing with other departments shape the marketing backlog. The synchronization of marketing goals with company deliverables is highlighted. [00:28:16] Balancing Iteration and Quality: Definition of Done in Marketing. Renata talks about the challenge of balancing iteration and quality in marketing's definition of done, emphasizing compliance with brand standards, quality, and voice and tone. [00:30:17] Blending Frameworks and Fostering Adaptation in Agile Marketing. Renata discusses blending Scrum and Kanban, adapting to the team's comfort level, and gaining buy-in through iterative, open-minded, and data-driven approaches. [00:33:49] Embracing Scrumban for Visualizing Work and Managing Overload. Renata shares her Scrumban implementation experience, emphasizing the value of visualizing work and understanding team culture. [00:36:09] Overcoming Misconceptions and Embracing Flexibility in Scrumban. The challenge of people confusing Scrum's prescription with Scrumban's flexibility is discussed, focusing on understanding best practices that work for the team. [00:44:43] Quick-Fire Questions for Renata: Dream with a deadline: Renata's dream is to have a team that is highly focused and synchronized, both within the marketing team and across the organization, understanding priorities and interdependencies, and being aware of the company's direction. Advice for embarking on an agile transformation journey in marketing: Start small and iterate. Begin with one team or implement tools like Jira or Trello to initiate the agile process, and then gradually expand and refine the approach. Biggest fail in working with agile methods: Renata shared an experience where the CEO of an organization disrupted agile processes, causing confusion and undermining progress. The key learning was that while bottom-up initiatives can work, without top-level support, it becomes challenging to sustain agile practices effectively. Books that shaped Renata's thinking: Renata highlighted the significance of the book "Systems Thinking" as a paradigm-shifting resource. She also mentioned that books on meditation offer valuable perspectives on agile methodologies. Specifically, she found Donella Meadows' book to be incredible. Relevant links: Jeff Sutherland, Inventor and Co-Creator of Scrum Donella Meadows, lead author of the books The Limits to Growth and Thinking In Systems: A Primer Thinking in Systems, by Donella Meadows About the Guest: Renata Lerch is a visionary leader and Agile marketing expert with a passion for exploring the possibilities of Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Marketing. Renata is a published author, renowned speaker, and trilingual executive, skilled in motivating teams and transforming marketing strategies. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, host Jenny Herald interviews strategy execution expert Brett Knowles to explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and execution. Throughout the conversation, Brett shares insights and practical advice on leveraging AI and large language models like ChatGPT to enhance strategy execution. Key Things Discussed: The limitations of traditional approaches and the need for agility in strategy execution. The role of AI in creating an execution ripple and assessing departmental capabilities. Building a lightweight nexus and keeping OKR systems simple for effectiveness. The evolving role of senior leadership and the importance of asking the right questions. Show Notes [00:00:18] Understanding the Distinction: AI and GPT Explained. Jenny and Brett explore the difference between AI and GPT, highlighting GPT's capacity to learn and respond to conditions. [00:02:21] Harnessing GPT's Potential in Strategy Development and Execution: Jenny and Brett discuss the benefits of incorporating GPT into strategy development, testing its recommendations, and achieving a balance between familiar and innovative ideas. [00:06:37] Unlocking the Versatility of GPT in Business Applications: Jenny and Brett explore the various business applications of GPT, including automation, decision-making, recommendation generation, option generation, and strategy evaluation. [00:11:54] Accelerating Strategy Development and Execution with AI: Jenny and Brett highlight how GPT can simplify and enhance the strategy development process, providing examples of idea generation, insights gathering, and automated slide deck creation. [00:17:11] Navigating Limitations and Challenges of GPT in Strategy Development: Jenny and Brett discuss the misconceptions, data input importance, and recognizing GPT's potential to surpass human decision-making quality. [00:23:35] Calibrating Parameters for Enhanced Strategy Execution with GPT: Jenny and Brett explore the significance of parameter calibration in optimizing GPT's performance and overcoming status quo bias. [00:30:40] The Execution Ripple and Building the Nexus for Strategy Execution: Brett delves deeper into the concept of the execution ripple, mapping connections, and enhancing GPT's insights and recommendations. [00:35:12] The Execution Donut and Building a Consistent Model: Jenny and Brett explore the interconnectedness of elements in the execution donut and the importance of a reliable and repeatable decision-making model. [00:38:38] The Evolving Role of Senior Leadership in Strategy Execution: Jenny and Brett discuss the agility needed in strategy execution, asking better questions, and embracing AI-powered strategies for a competitive edge. [00:44:43] Quick-Fire Questions for Brett: What’s your Dream With a Deadline: Brett's dream is to share his knowledge with as many people as possible on an ongoing basis. He is passionate about making information available to the community, but there is no specific deadline for this dream. Using Large Language Models (ChatGPT) for OKRs: Brett emphasizes the importance of ownership when considering the use of these technologies for OKRs. If using the tools adds complexity or creates barriers to acceptance, it may not be recommended. However, he believes that organizations will eventually need to move in this direction to succeed with OKRs. Advice for Starting with OKRs: The key advice is to keep it simple. Many OKR systems fail because they become too complex, with too many objectives and key results. It is important to ensure that every individual benefits from using OKRs and that it is not just a reporting system for the leadership team. Excitement about Advancements in Technology for Strategy Execution: Brett is excited about how these advancements allow us to challenge outdated paradigms in strategy development and execution. He believes that traditional approaches, rooted in decades-old knowledge, need to be replaced or reimagined. The new possibilities open up avenues for innovative solutions. Book(s) that Shaped Thinking: Brett recommends anything written by Edward de Bono, who focused on helping the brain become more creative. De Bono's frameworks provide ways to enhance creativity without relying on external substances. Brett also highlights that while there are many business books available nowadays, they often present methodologies as isolated silos. Recognizing the interconnectedness of concepts and joining existing ideas is crucial for creating value. Relevant links: “Can Machines Think?” Alan Turing's decades-old question The Turing Test Kasparov vs. Deep Blue The Rumsfeld Papers: Known and Unknown The Rumsfeld Matrix Peter Drucker, the Father of Management Thinking Dr. Edward de Bono, the originator of the term Lateral Thinking About the Guest: Brett Knowles is the Founder at Performance Measurement & Management. He is a renowned thought leader with a track record of spearheading strategic execution and driving remarkable performance improvement through rapid OKR implementation. Featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fortune for his expertise in the Balanced Scorecard. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

Join host Jenny Herald and special guest Andrea Belk Olson in this newest episode of Dreams With Deadlines as they dive into the world of OKRs and the challenges organizations face in driving change and building buy-in. From understanding varied nomenclature to crafting achievable aspirations, they explore the importance of aligning organizational goals with the current state and involving people in the change process. Key Things Discussed: The concept of customer-centricity The Three Ws ideation process for empathetic thinking Integrating change in traditional manufacturing The six key components of building change buy-in, and finding the balance between committed and aspirational goals with OKRs. Show Notes [00:00:26] Introduction to OKRs and Varied Nomenclature: Andrea Belk Olson discusses her experience with OKRs and the diverse terminology used to describe them. [00:01:17] Starting with a Current State Assessment for Differentiation: Jenny and Andrea discuss the importance of conducting a current state assessment to help companies identify their core strengths, revenue streams, talent, and assets. [00:02:27] Crafting Achievable Aspirations and the Role of People in Change: Jenny and Andrea explore the importance of setting realistic and achievable aspirational goals for organizations, using the example of a client wanting to become the "Tesla of the industry." They discuss the need to align aspirations with the organization's current state, identifying unique differentiators, and finding a target market that values those differentiators. Additionally, they emphasize the critical role of people in driving change, highlighting the importance of buy-in, individual growth opportunities, and addressing employees' concerns about skill sets, timeline, and personal advantages. [00:13:38] Achieving Customer Centricity and Shifting Organizational Mindset: Andrea shares a client example where they successfully addressed the challenges of aligning aspirations with their current state, focusing on customer-centricity and mindset shifts for growth [00:17:32] Three Ws Ideation Process for Customer-Centric Thinking: Andrea introduces the Three Ws Ideation Process from her book "What to Ask" as a framework for organizations to think more empathetically and better understand customer needs. The process involves examining the "why" by considering the customer's context, determining the "what" based on that context, and formulating a hypothesis for the "wow" solution. [00:19:40] Applying the Three Ws and Piloting for Customer-Centric Solutions: Jenny and Andrea discuss how to apply the Three Ws process to improve community events and increase participation. [00:22:21] Integrating Change and Efficiency in Traditional Manufacturing: Overcoming resistance to change in manufacturing organizations through Kaizen and manageable changes. [00:27:53] The Six Key Components of Building Change Buy-In: Legitimacy, ownership, attainability, authenticity, impartiality, and relevance as essential components for buy-in. [00:34:12] Balancing Committed and Aspirational Goals with OKRs: Jenny and Andrea discuss the balance between committed goals and aspirational goals when using OKRs. They emphasize the importance of relevance, acknowledging the day-to-day operational needs alongside the aspirational goals. They highlight the need to tie objectives to known challenges and issues, involve employees in shaping the objectives, and ensure that everyone can influence the outcomes. They also discuss the significance of breaking down the goals into manageable steps and painting a picture of the results to generate buy-in and momentum. The approach of microdosing the OKRs is recommended to create quick wins and maintain momentum throughout the journey. The focus is on measuring progress, identifying priorities, and fostering meaningful forward momentum towards the larger aspirational goal. [00:41:03] Recognizing and Rewarding Successes in Organizational Culture: Jenny and Andrea discuss the importance of examining organizational culture and reinforcing behaviors that celebrate successes. [00:45:54] Quick-Fire Questions for Andrea: What’s your Dream With a Deadline: Andrea's dream with a deadline is to write her fourth book within her lifetime. What is Andrea’s prevailing insight of the moment? Organizations can be hypersensitive to change, perceiving it as a personal attack on their capabilities. What is emerging from this discussion is the idea of what? What is emerging is the idea of a confident organization that acknowledges flaws but believes in their ability to improve. Where do you think the future is headed in terms of the OKR space? The future of OKRs lies in overcoming terminology hurdles and creating environments where employees can achieve success and meet customer needs. Relevant links: “What To Ask: How to Learn What Customers Need But Don't Tell You,” by Andrea Belk Olson “Getting Employee Buy-In for Organizational Change,” by Andrea Belk Olson About Our Guest: Andrea Belk Olson is a behavioral scientist and customer-centricity expert. She is the Founder & CEO of Pragmadik, helping companies differentiate and build customer-centric cultures. Andrea is a renowned speaker, published author and a TEDx presenter. She is also a contributing writer for HBR, Entrepreneur, Rotman, Chief Executive, and more. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

Host Jenny Herald dives deep into the journey of Ben Lamorte, the renowned OKRs expert and founder of okrs.com, in this captivating episode of Dreams With Deadlines. Discover Ben's transformation from a network engineer to an OKR visionary as he shares his profound insights on deploying successful OKRs, overcoming challenges, and his bold coaching framework. Key Things Discussed: Unveiling the 10 universal deployment parameters for successful OKRs implementation. Exploring the distinction between milestone and metric key results and when to use each. Understanding the roles of OKRs project leads and the importance of executive sponsorship. Unpacking the real-world examples where OKRs drive outcomes over outputs. Gaining valuable perspectives on the application of OKRs in cross-functional and rapid growth areas. Show Notes [00:00:19] Introduction and Ben Lamorte's Enthusiasm for OKRs [00:00:48] OKRs as a Critical Thinking Framework: Ben describes OKRs as a critical thinking framework, emphasizing the importance of ongoing discipline and asking three key questions: Where do we want to focus for near-term progress? How do we know we've achieved the objective? What is the intended outcome of the task? These questions help define objectives and key results, align efforts, and prioritize measurable impact. [00:04:38] The Importance of Embedding Alignment in OKRs: Ben discusses the trend of embedding alignment throughout the entire OKRs program, emphasizing its importance as a critical success factor. He highlights the shift away from cascading OKRs directly and notes that more organizations are now implementing OKRs correctly from the start, leading to positive developments in the OKRs landscape. [00:08:37] Mantras for Successful OKRs Implementation: Ben shares five key mantras for successful OKRs implementation: "less is more" to focus on a small set of OKRs, "crawl, walk, run" to scale gradually after achieving success, "OKRs are not everything" as they represent the most important areas for progress, "the only way to learn OKRs is to do OKRs" by practical implementation, and "outcomes, not output" to measure intended results. The discussion also hints at the emerging trend of embedding alignment into every aspect of the OKRs program. [00:13:05] Embedding Alignment in OKRs for Organizational Cohesion: Ben highlights the importance of alignment in OKRs, emphasizing the need for clear answers to key questions and achieving both top-down and horizontal alignment. He explains that alignment should be established at each stage of the OKRs program to ensure organizational cohesion and addresses the ongoing nature of aligning throughout the OKRs journey. [00:17:00] The Importance of Universal Deployment Parameters in OKRs: Ben highlights the importance of universal deployment parameters as foundational prerequisites for successful OKRs implementation. These parameters, including setting the OKR level and defining the OKR cycle duration, play a crucial role in ensuring effective OKRs training and implementation. [00:22:55] 10 Universal Deployment Parameters for Effective OKRs Implementation: Ben identifies 10 essential parameters to define before implementing OKRs. These parameters are crucial for successful OKR implementation and training workshops. These parameters include levels, number of OKRs, scoring methods, cycle duration, milestone vs metric key results, OKR publishing and storage, performance review integration, KPI vs key result differentiation, alignment, and bottom-up involvement. [00:28:53] Roles in Defining Deployment Parameters: Defining the 10 universal deployment parameters for OKRs involves OKRs project leads from various functional teams and the executive sponsor, allowing for training based on these parameters and the flexibility to make adjustments in subsequent cycles. [00:31:32] The Distinction and Appropriate Use of Milestone Key Results: Milestone key results represent significant achievements or outcomes that indicate progress towards a future metric key result, such as obtaining permits to begin construction or listing an app on the Apple Store, and can be valuable in certain situations to track progress and set the stage for future success. [00:36:56] Distinguishing Between Output and Outcome Key Results: Jenny and Ben discuss the distinction between output and outcome key results, emphasizing the importance of outcome-oriented milestones that represent true outcomes and setting higher requirements for target and stretch key results. The challenge of committing to government approval is also highlighted. [00:39:45] Quick-Fire Questions for Ben: Where does Ben want to see OKRs.com by the end of the year? Ben wants to have a clearer definition of the impact of OKRs through an OKRs maturity model and quantifiable data on the success of OKRs. Where are OKRs most important within organizations? OKRs are particularly valuable in cross-functional initiatives and rapid growth areas like the environmental movement. Where does Ben think OKRs are headed? Ben believes that OKRs will continue to grow, and their application will expand beyond formalized goal-setting, becoming more of a mindset and a way of asking outcome-focused questions across the organization. Relevant links: Measure What Matters," by John Doerr. "The OKRs Field Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Objectives and Key Results Coaches," by Ben Lamorte. About Our Guest: Ben Lamorte, founder of OKRs.com, is an internationally recognized OKRs coach. He has consulted with organizations around the world, including eBay, Zalando, and Booking.com. He's authored two books — Objectives and Key Results: Driving Focus, Alignment, and Engagement with OKRs (co-authored with Paul Niven) and The OKRs Field Book. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this special episode of "Dreams with Deadlines," host Jenny Herald engages in a thought-provoking conversation with AI expert Gary Bhattacharjee. They explore the rise of generative AI and the evolving relationship between humans and machines. Key Things Discussed: The potential applications of generative AI. The challenges of machine ambiguity and ethics. The significance of educators in the wisdom economy. The importance of trust in building strong alliances between humans and machines. Show Notes [00:00:51] The Significance of Touchless Business in Today's World. Embrace the significance of touchless business in today's world, where Gary explores the accelerated need for digitization and virtual interactions, highlighting the challenges faced by organizations that haven't embraced these changes. [00:02:24] The Tremendous Growth Potential of the Data and AI Market. Dive into the tremendous growth potential of the data and AI market, as Gary shares staggering growth projections and emphasizes the interconnectedness between data, AI, and the cloud market. [00:03:33] From Automation to Alliance: The Evolution of AI in Decision-Making. Discover the fascinating evolution of AI in decision-making, as Gary delves into the concept of autonomy, the potential for human-machine alliances, and the psychological dynamics involved in trusting machines. [00:19:29] The Power of Generative AI and Amplifying Innovation. Generative AI and Amplifying Innovation with Gary Bhattacharjee: Unleash the power of generative AI as Gary explores ChatGPT, the democratization of AI, and the transformative potential of amplifying innovation through collaboration between the creative and technical realms. [00:29:12] Tricky Aspects and Pitfalls of Generative AI. In this part of the podcast episode, the conversation shifts towards discussing thNavigate the challenges and pitfalls of generative AI, as Gary discusses machine ambiguity, customization, ethical considerations, and the importance of responsible AI deployment. [00:37:09] The Wisdom Economy and the Importance of Educators. Embrace the rise of the wisdom economy and recognize the pivotal role of educators in shaping a responsible AI-driven future, where Gary emphasizes the need to teach machines foundational knowledge and align them with human values. [00:41:31] Quick-Fire Questions for Gary: Dream with a Deadline: Gary's dream with a deadline is to have machines and technology that can perform his job tasks. He envisions a world where machine partner with humans in equal footing and not be just an order-taker. He believes that machines should amplify human potential, accelerate the speed of thought and challenge the civilization to be better enabling a Jetsons-like lifestyle where machines take care of daily activities, such as cooking and transportation. Excitement about Bleeding-Edge Technology: Gary is most excited about the scale and acceleration of innovation that generative AI and machine-to-machine conversations bring. He also mentions the hardware advancements in GPUs and quantum computing, which have the potential to revolutionize neural networks and solve complex problems in real-time. Most Exciting AI Application: Gary mentions that he comes across exciting AI applications daily. He highlights the potential of AI twins, where every job could be replaced by an AI counterpart. This thought experiment challenges professionals to envision how their own roles could be performed by AI. Recommended Reads: Gary suggests exploring science fiction novels for imaginative narratives that can inspire real-world applications. Additionally, he recommends books on organizational psychology and ambidexterity to understand the dynamics of human-machine interaction. He mentions "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," "Innovator's Dilemma," and "Catch-22" as some of his current readings. Shaping Thought: Gary mentions that there is no single book that has shaped his thinking. Instead, he believes that different books have influenced him at different stages of life. He emphasizes the profoundness of philosophical ideas found in various works and their applicability to different contexts. Relevant links: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Catch-22 by Joseph Heller Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics + the Zeroth Law by Isaac Asimov About the Guest: Gary Bhattacharjee is the head of AI at Infosys, with extensive experience in product development, corporate banking, financial consulting, and wealth management. He co-founded a fintech startup and holds a patent on Management of Data via Cooperative Method and System, a wiki-based data management system. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, host Jenny Herald sits down with Natalija Hellesoe, an Organizational development Coach and OKR expert. Natalija shares her insights and experiences in implementing OKRs, emphasizing the importance of leadership engagement, setting realistic commitments, and making time a priority. Key Things Discussed: The concept of "eat the frog" days and how they can help teams overcome time constraints. The need for education, continuous improvement, and conscious implementations when adopting OKRs. She offers guidance on developing a well-designed OKR system that aligns with the organization's goals and addresses the complexity of the business ecosystem. The importance of avoiding mainstream implementations and fostering a community that promotes diversity of thought and continuous learning. Show Notes [00:00:37] Motivations and Challenges in Implementing OKRs for Business Success: Jenny Herald and Natalija Hellesoe discuss the common motivations and challenges faced by businesses when implementing OKRs. [00:01:37] Exploring the Pros and Cons of Implementing OKRs for Organizational Success: Jenny and Natalija discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of using OKRs as a methodology for goal-setting and organizational alignment. [00:04:13] Navigating Realism in Company Goal Setting for Effective OKRs: Natalija emphasizes the importance of strategic focus and considering other requirements and stakeholders when setting realistic OKRs. [00:06:51] Navigating Difficult Conversations for Successful OKR Implementation: Natalija discusses the need for difficult conversations in setting priorities and making commitments for successful OKR implementation. [00:07:47] The Importance of Realistic Assessments for Successful OKR Implementation: Natalija highlights the significance of conducting realistic assessments before implementing OKRs. [00:09:44] Balancing Customer Expectations and Delivering Effective Methodologies: Natalija emphasizes understanding customers' actual needs and meeting expectations while providing what they truly need. [00:10:41] Navigating the Role of Senior Leadership in Successful OKR Implementation: Natalija discusses the challenges and importance of senior leadership involvement in OKR implementation. [00:13:30] The Crucial Role of Senior Leaders in OKR Implementation and Success: Natalija emphasizes the importance of senior leadership's commitment and understanding of OKRs for successful adoption. [00:16:14] Making Time Commitment the First OKR: Natalija explores the concept of making time commitment the first OKR and provides examples of addressing time-related issues. [00:21:20] Fostering Engagement: Natalija discusses the benefits of "eat the frog" days and the challenge of engagement when introducing new initiatives. [00:23:25] Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Engaging Skeptics and Fostering OKR Adoption. Natalija discusses strategies for bridging the gap between OKR believers and skeptics. [00:27:29] Striking the Right Balance: Implementation for Successful OKR Adoption. Natalija emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance in OKR adoption and avoiding micromanagement. [00:29:46] Guidelines for Developing a Well-Designed OKR System. Natalija highlights the importance of understanding the problem, prioritizing focus, and educating oneself about different variations. [00:33:52] The Future of OKRs: Moving Towards Conscious Implementations. Jenny and Natalija discuss the future of OKRs. Natalija urges conscious implementations of OKRs and avoiding the mainstream trap. [00:35:25] Enhancing the OKR Method: Embracing Complexity and Engaging in Conversation. Natalija emphasizes embracing complexity and engaging in conversations to improve the OKR method. [00:37:47] Quick-Fire Questions for Natalija: What’s your Dream With a Deadline: Natalija's dream is to go on an expedition through Greenland before turning 40. What drew Natalija to the OKR method: Natalija's interest in connections and seeing the bigger picture naturally drew her to frameworks and methods that help people understand how things belong together, and OKRs fulfill these aspects for her. Advice for those starting out with OKRs: Natalija advises not to believe everything written about OKRs, but instead to keep digging and talking to people to enrich their understanding and benefit from diverse opinions and perspectives. Where Natalija hopes to be this time next year: Natalija hopes to be in a remote location, reflecting on the past 12 months of working with great customers and finding more organizations that have embraced change in how they work together, driven by enthusiasm to make a difference. Book that shaped Natalija's thinking: The book "Speaking and Being" by Kübra Gümüşay, which explores how language shapes our thinking and determines our politics, shaped Natalija's thinking and emphasized the importance of language, also relevant in the context of OKRs. Relevant links: “Speaking and Being” by Kübra Gümüsay “Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs” by John Doerr “OKRs AT THE CENTER,” by Natalija Hellesoe and Sonja Mewes About Our Guest: Natalija Hellesoe is a trainer, coach, and chance taker, supporting companies in increasing focus, autonomy, and value creation. She works with organizations at various stages of their OKR journey. Her diverse experiences and global perspective drive her to redefine possibilities. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

If you want to know what kind of team culture really exists at a company, look very carefully at how product roadmaps are developed and executed. That, says Jenny Herald’s guest on this episode of Dreams With Deadlines, is where you can see the “messy, bloody war” that may or may not be going on behind the scenes. Agile consultant Maarten Dalmijn, author of a forthcoming book about using sprint goals to deliver better products more efficiently, shares fascinating insights on project management and how to optimize it. Key things discussed Why agile software development isn’t about delivering more stuff more quickly. How three common gaps in understanding, effort and results hobble projects. What the Cynefin Framework is and how to leverage its domains in managing complexity – along with chaos. Why less up-front planning and more adjustment along the way enables nimble project management and a quicker path to desired outcomes. Ways to identify and mediate opposing goals that can mire projects in constraint and micromanagement. The interplay between product goals, Scrums and OKRs. Show Notes [00:03:27] Diving into the “why” behind Maarten’s decision to write his soon-to-be-published book – or any book – at this point in time. [00:04:30] What Scrum can look like (flexible and supportive of change) versus what people think it should be. [00:06:48] Why being agile is about more than just shipping more stuff faster. About Maarten’s effort to define what makes a successful Scrum, the outputs that drive desired business and customer outcomes and obstacles commonly encountered. [00:08:57] "Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results," which is forthcoming in May, is comprised of four parts. [00:09:32] Maarten shares in the book a personal story about a childhood exercise on a Dutch island that parallels the journey of discovery that is software development. [00:13:26] A closer look at the three gaps, a model originated by leadership strategist Stephen Bungay, including: The Knowledge Gap: What we know is less than we’d like to know. The Alignment Gap: What we’re likely to do versus what we actually do. The Effects Gap: The difference between desired results and actual outcomes. [00:15:51] How to avoid getting lost in “the fog of beforehand,” which can result in overcompensation and analysis paralysis that constrains or slow decision-making. [00:18:28] Humble Planning: It’s not about planning less. It’s about reducing upfront planning in order to leave room for critical adjustments later in the project life cycle. [00:20:17] About Dave Snowden’s Cynefin Framework, designed to help manage complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis – a sort of field guide for decision-makers. [00:21:19] Delineating the domains encompassed by the Cynefin model and how they apply in a software development context: Confusion Clear Complicated Complex Chaotic [00:23:40] Understanding self-imposed friction and how rigid plans can lead to massive breakdowns in desired business outcomes. [00:27:16] How opposing goals fracture teams and slow – if not defeat – mutually desirable results while team alignment (internally and with partners) supports success. [00:30:21] Navigating “Roadmap Hell” and how a traditional project management mindset yield binary, inflexible processes that create conflict and self-defeat. [00:32:45] Want to see how agile a company culture really is? Look at their mindset around road mapping – that’s where business and IT really come together and reveal the turf wars and rigidity! [00:34:06] Teasing out Part II – the “beating heart” – of Maarten’s book: Sprint Goals: They depend on a clear understanding of intent, what the team is trying to achieve and why it matters. It’s key to integrate foundational sprint goals into every Scrum. OKRs have a role to play in helping to prevent or break the feature factory loop. [00:36:32] Understanding the interplay between product goals, Scrums and OKRs; how they fit together in multi-faceted ways with multiple protocols. [00:38:42] About applying North Star Metrics – when and how they work and the constellation of factors that can influence measures and strategic adjustments. [00:41:42] What happens when companies don’t use sprint goals? It disempowers teams. It restricts information, understanding and decision-making ability. It reduces flexibility. It leads to technical debt and prioritizing speed over quality. [00:44:42] Quick-Fire Questions for Maarten: What is Your Dream with a Deadline? Finishing up his book secure in the knowledge that he has delivered what he intended – and then some! How do you define a good sprint goal? It includes everything in the acronym FOCUS: Fun, Outcome-oriented, Collaborative, Ultimate and Singular. What’s the takeaway he most wants for those who read his book? More joy, a sense of empowerment, flexibility, freedom, less effort that yields more results! Relevant links: "Driving Value with Sprint Goals: Humble Plans, Exceptional Results," by Maarten Dalmijn and Friso Dalmijn. More about leadership Strategist Stephen Bungay’s The Three Gaps. More about Dave Snowden and the Cynefin Framework. About Our Guest: Maarten Dalmijn worked with award-winning start-ups, scale-ups and corporations in various roles before taking the leap as an independent Product Management, Agile and Scrum consultant. By blending the world of Product Management and Agile, Maarten helps teams beat the Feature Factory and uncover better ways of delivering value together. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

Host Jenny Herald’s guest on this episode of Dreams With Deadlines has traveled a fascinating road – one that culminated in the founding The Chief Excellence Officer™️ Academy. Mukom Tamon’s unique platform advocates for frontlines managers by providing them key change management tools and the resources to ensure excellence. He shares his perspectives on the interplay between various methodologies, highlights the power and nuance behind OKRs and deconstructs his hybrid coaching framework – a blend of strategies to turn vision into execution. Key Things Discussed: Mukom’s evolution in understanding how business systems build both efficiency and effectiveness – and books that opened his eyes along the way. The interplay between 4DX, OKRs and their impacts on workplace cultures. How his SIPPR Canvas enables Mukom’s clients to adopt OKRs seamlessly based on clarity around how teams create, deliver, capture, and measure value. Initiating week-by-week forecasts that assess and ultimately activate resources, skills, budget, and tools to reach desired OKR outcomes. The difference between exploiting and exploring and how systems thinking can create an essential bridge between the two. Show Notes [00:00:49] OKR Origin Story: Personal Efficiency. How Mukom went from being an individual network engineer to developing credibility and excellence through efficiencies. [00:03:02] OKR Origin Story Pt II: Team Efficiency. Coming to understand that management success depends on processes that manage other people’s outcomes. [00:05:10] OKR Origin Story Pt III: Building Effectiveness. Establishing a framework to move from strategy to execution with the help of an epiphany after reading "The Four Disciplines of Execution," by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling. It was Mukom’s bridge to OKRs! [00:07:30] From 4DX to OKRs: In response to teams who felt overworked and underappreciated, Mukom led his team co-create a "No Asshole, No Bullshit" OKR to support a healthier, stonger team. [00:11:31] The Role of Trust: How psychological safety and its impacts can be measured through behavioral indicators. [00:14:40] Elevators of Excellence: Why processes are to teams what habits are to individuals and how they can be leveraged to build trust and improve weaknesses. [00:16:44] About OKRs with a Strategy: Why workplace cultures are integral to sustained, successful outcomes. [00:18:44] Exploit Versus Explore: Balancing the elements of 4DX and OKRs in the context of immediate needs and long-term workplace cultural development. [00:22:50] About Mukom’s SIPPR Canvas: Why silos don’t have to be a given and can be broken down with basic tools of communication and transparency. [00:26:30] Expanding an Application: How Mukom’s SIPPR Canvas adapts the Business Model Canvas to encompass team context, purpose and value propositions. [00:30:24] OKR Advantage: How having a clearly defined SIPPR canvas sets companies up to implement and adopt OKRs more quickly based on clarity around how teams create, deliver, capture, and measure value. [00:32:00] Real-Time Example: Mukom demonstrates his SIPPR canvas by applying inputs and outputs to the Dreams With Deadlines podcast’s goals and operations: Processes and projects. Short-, medium, and long-term benefits. Sources. Customer success management. Results metrics (such as leads, production, efficiency). Measurable, quantifiable OKRs based on data. [00:38:03] Using the SIPPR canvas framework both to exploit current capabilities and explore (and develop prototypes for) future outcomes. [00:39:22] About Mukom’s OKR Activation Canvas: How to define narrow objectives (important!) and deploy a quality matrix to measure key results. [00:41:40] Cultivating PET: Why it’s critical that managers be judicious and create systems that support Passion, Engagement, Time (and trust) among teams. [00:44:25] Key Indicators: About putting in place week-by-week check-ins to forecast (and ultimately activate) resources, skills, budget and tools to reach desired outcomes. [00:47:15] An Agile Element: How Mukom’s framework injects systems thinking, enabling fluid processes that adapt to cultural challenges and predict OKR success. [00:48:44] Freedom Through Accountability: How Mukom rolled out OKRs to capture, measure and deliver value in the context of a huge telecommunications concern. [00:50:48] Strength Out of Failure: Why Mukom is always proud to share his documented failures – the foundation on which he builds demonstrable, repeatable processes, and success! [00:53:13] Going Wide: How Mukom documents clear, quantifiable results to bring leadership along when it comes time to expand OKR mandates across the organization. [00:55:33] Finding the Nuance: Why it’s so important to align OKR goals with internal systems and cultures, distinguishing between leadership strategy and team execution. [00:59:00] OKRs Are Not Strategy: Strategy defines where to play and how to win. OKRs clarify the recipe and build the culture to get you there. [01:01:47] Quick-Fire Questions for Mukom: What’s your Dream With a Deadline: To enable 10,000 frontline managers to achieve excellence in the next five years, using tools like his OKR Deployment Accelerator. What has been your most significant strategy failure to date? Failing to prioritize OKRs, believing they were applicable to everyone, everywhere all the time. Where do you think OKRs are headed? A period of backlash to their popularity and failures in the way they are executed that only gets better with time and education about best practices. Relevant links: "The Four Disciplines of Execution," by Chris McChesney, Jim Huling, Sean Covey Measure What Matters," by John Doerr Learn what Peter Drucker actually said about "culture eating strategy for breakfast." "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change," by Stephen R. Covey About "The 13 Behaviors of Trust." "High Output Management ," by Andrew Grove Understanding Mukom’s SIPPR Canvas James Clear’s observation that "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." About "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization," by Peter M. Senge "The OKRs Field Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Objectives and Key Results Coaches," by Ben Lamorte About Our Guest: Mukom Tamon is the founder of The Chief Excellence Officer™️ Academy, a platform that teaches frontline managers how to design and built an infrastructure of team excellence. He has over 13 years of experience in global workplace cultures and is an OKR visionary. Follow Our Guest: Twitter | LinkedIn | Website Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

When it comes to OKRs, nothing predicts success like patience and flexibility. And on this episode of Dreams With Deadlines we find out why from Elie Casamitjana, Co-Founder and CEO of Impactivs and the visionary behind OKRmentors. A globally recognized expert in all things OKR, he joins Host Jenny Herald to explore the kinds of workplace cultures best suited to implementing this change management framework, especially during challenging economic times. He’s sharing thoughts on fostering engagement and lessons learned about the best predictors for – and deterrents to – successful adoption. Key Things Discussed: The difference between vertical and horizontal approaches when it comes to effective implementation of OKRs across varying geographies and cultures. What Elie considers some of the basic prerequisites for companies that want to ensure sustainable change management. How rigid, top-down workplace cultures generate resistance to the OKR methodology – while agility and communication are precursors of success. Why OKR frameworks can be applied with great results in times of crisis – if leadership understands how to be nimble and bring the whole team along. Show Notes [00:00:30] Origin Story: How Elie first incorporated OKRs to inspire and empower distributed teams all working together to build, launch and manage tech products. [00:02:40] What Drives Elie: Why a desire to effect change and equip teams to fulfill their social and environmental missions has been foundational to starting up both Impactivs consulting and OKRmentors’ certified trainings and master classes. [00:04:15] Emerging Network: A closer look at the OKR Forum International and other ways in which evangelists are pooling their expertise to train and connect practitioners. [00:06:00] The story behind Elie’s book: "La méthode OKR : Objectives & Key Results - le guide pratique (Le management en pratique)," a practical guide to managing OKRs. [00:07:40] Vertical v. Horizontal: Why cultural and geographical nuances require understanding and programming that accommodates varying workplace styles. [00:09:30] Prerequisites that set the stage for OKR adoption success: An agile approach that integrates fluid, bottom-up planning and adaptation A clearly defined champion (or team) consistently leading the charge and keeping things on track Upfront understanding that iterations are unavoidable and to be expected Thoughtful, deliberate strategies around team engagement and buy-in [00:12:05] Elie’s Take on Common Misconceptions about the OKR Methodology: We’ve already defined our goals. (The process in fact goes far beyond goal-setting or objectives to integrate practically and operationally.) We’re already using more than enough KPIs to measure results. (All indicators are not created the same nor do they all incorporate necessary priorities.) OKRs are set and forget – a glorified “to do” list. (This completely misses the importance of active discussion and the iterative process necessary for success.) [00:15:45] Culture & Need: OKR adoption works less well for organizations that are: Managed primarily top-down Committed to rigid long-term planning Resistant to transparency and communication Reluctant to empower teams and give them autonomy Already running smoothly and not interested in implementing transformation [00:18:33] Recession Preparedness: How OKRs can be kept relevant and deployed as effective tools for clear, agile decision-making and realignment in fluid crisis situations. [00:22:35] Why Recovery (and Staying Nimble) Matters: OKRs are a means, not an end, when it comes to adjusting focus, reinventing value props and maintaining relationships. [00:25:43] Elie Shares a Successful OKR Case Study: Significant ROI achieved by helping to define strategic goals and operational variables (like packaging and pricing) at Wecandoo, a French platform supporting a global marketplace for craftspeople and artisans to share their expertise. [00:29:36] There Will Be Challenges: How (especially legacy companies) often struggle with change management and why communication problems demand … more communication to clarify, engage, excite, promote empathy and foster long-term buy-in across teams and departments. [00:32:48] What Sustained Change Management Absolutely Requires: An investment of time. Leadership and effective sponsorship. Robust, repetitive, ongoing communication. Patience with the process! [00:39:57] Quick-Fire Questions for Elie: What’s your Dream With a Deadline? Inspiring mission-driven leaders committed to making a better, healthier world the mainstream standard. Why are you so passionate about OKRs? They provide a simple framework to take missions from vision into action and reality. What was your greatest strategic execution fail and what did you learn? Change works best when people feel like they are part of the decision-making process – a lesson learned by having unsuccessfully tried the top-down approach! What do you think is the future for OKRs? The more they are integrated across industries and leadership styles, the more the framework will become a seamless part of the organic fabric of workplace cultures. What advice would you have given to your earlier self about the OKR practice? Surround yourself with good support and expertise! What is a book that has largely shaped how you think? It’s a mix of books, podcasts and other media highlighting the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders who have demonstrated resilience and the ability to make change happen! What’s your current favorite podcast? Guy Raz's "How I Built This." Relevant links: "La méthode OKR : Objectives & Key Results - le guide pratique (Le management en pratique)," by Elie Casamitjana. "Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility," by Patty McCord, who was Chief Talent Officer at Netflix. About Our Guest: Elie Casamitjana is a founder, CEO, and OKR Enabler at OKRmentors. He's an expert in OKRs, Strategy, Product Management, and more. Elie is also an author and speaker on entrepreneurship initiatives for sustainable development goals. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter

Host Jenny Herald’s guest on this episode of Dreams With Deadlines describes himself as the Chief Cheerleading Officer and OKR Shepherd for his successful digital marketing, interactive and creative agency. As founder of both Green Parrot and Develtio, a spin-off software company that transforms traditional services into digital products, Szymon Paroszkiewicz has woven OKR initiatives into his company’s culture – with great results! He’s sharing insights about what it looks like to implement new systems and processes within a services-oriented workplace culture. Key things discussed How to juggle objectives in a fluid, client-centric environment. Why prioritizing KPI results is less important than staying nimble and true to your company’s big-picture OKR goals. What it takes to overcome internal resistance and secure buy-in at every level of the enterprise. The importance of making room for failure along the way, iterating OKRs that work for your specific corporate culture and needs. Where you’re likely to see OKR value-add – saving time, optimizing resources, fostering communication, and boosting revenue. Show Notes [00:02:30] Origin Story: How Szymon became an OKR convert and ultimately an evangelist at his ad agency and spin-off software company. [00:04:10] Going Large: How Szymon initially went with a wholesale, up-and-down the enterprise approach to introducing OKRs – with mixed (if promising) results. [00:05:15] A Bespoke Strategy: Why internal OKR goal-setting and incremental adjustments are easier for teams to implement than going strictly by the book. [00:08:36] Juggling Key Results: Because the digital marketing world is so dynamic, it’s critical to keep priorities and adaptations fluid, based on shifting metrics and solutions. [00:11:48] Customer Satisfaction: What it looks like to map OKRs as client-centered service providers, including: Staying focused on OKRs as an internal measure of progress and results. Using KPIs, like sales revenue, unique users, or amount of features delivered on time as the measures for project success. [00:14:25] Team Sport: Why it was important to adapt OKR strategies that worked at the board and managerial level in ways that served the development and success of individual contributors by keeping the process team-oriented. [00:16:00] Chasing Success: How Szymon positions KPIs like revenue relative to influencing OKRs as a byproduct rather than a hyper-focus dominating overall OKRs. [00:18:35] Thumbs Up: Even though the process can be time-consuming and requires resources, Szymon believes OKRs offer consulting businesses tremendous upsides. [00:20:35] Overcoming Resistance: How modeling commitment and flexibility through various iterations in OKR implementation eventually secures buy-in across teams. [00:22:49] Long-Term Champions: A look at the shift in dynamics as early adopters sometimes lose interest and early resisters come to enthusiastically embrace the metrics, enhanced communication and other benefits iterative OKRs confer. [00:25:15] Quality Control and What It Looks Like to Measure for Success: Celebrating wins (something Szymon wants to do more frequently) Reevaluating metrics based on how easily they were met Analyzing objectives that failed for clarity and, where necessary, restating Building on what’s working and optimizing through iteration Hosting company-wide post mortems to provide transparency on OKR progress [00:27:30] Before & After OKRs – and Their Net Business Impacts: Overall savings through reduction in wasted time, resources and energy Fewer, but more focused and effective initiatives at all levels of the company A clear roadmap that provides employees – especially newer hires – access to the objectives and processes that support corporate success Communication and transparency to support the execution of goals [00:30:38] Celebrating Success: About how OKRs have supported the recent integration of a new CRM system – and scores of other value-adds up and down the organization. [00:32:47] Quick-Fire Questions for Szymon: What’s Your Dream With a Deadline? To create systems that support a holistic life personally and on a professional level to create platforms to help manage the accelerating impacts of AI on the digital marketing and ad space. What’s Next for Your OKR Program? Not overthinking or unnecessarily tinkering with initiatives that are in place and working; perhaps adding monitoring tools. Advice For Someone Just Starting Out? Making mistakes with OKRs is part of the process and a good thing. So don’t stress or over-worry the process! A Book that Has Shaped the Way You Think? "Measure What Matters," by John Doerr. "The 4-Hour Workweek," by Timothy Ferriss. Can You Share Some of the Mistakes You’ve Made? Getting a slow start on building proprietary software products and platforms. (But the ball is rolling now …) Being a marketing company that was not doing a good job marketing itself! (But new promotional strategies have now been rolled out …) Relevant links: "Measure What Matters," by John Doerr "The 4-Hour Workweek," by Timothy Ferriss About Our Guest: Szymon Paroszkiewicz is the Founder & Innovation Director at Green Parrot Digital Marketing, an interactive creative agency that develops and deploys digital marketing strategies. He is also CEO at Develtio, a spin-off software company based in Poland that transforms traditional services into digital products and solutions. Follow Our Guest: Website | LinkedIn Follow Dreams With Deadlines: Host | Company Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter