Objectives & Key Results / Marketing Terms Objectives & Key Results Objectives and key results (OKRs) are a structured goal-setting method used to define what an individual, team or organisation wants to achieve and how success will be measured. This framework helps teams stay aligned, focused and accountable by combining clear objectives with quantifiable key results. OKRs are typically reviewed on a quarterly basis and used across industries, from startups and nonprofits to enterprise-level businesses. An objective is a concise, qualitative statement of what you aim to accomplish. It should be inspiring, actionable and time-specific. Key results are the measurable outcomes that indicate whether you are making progress toward that objective. For example, if the objective is “Increase donor engagement,” key results might include “Improve email open rate by 20 percent,” “Grow recurring donor base by 15 percent” and “Host three virtual engagement events.” Key results should be specific, time-bound and based on clear metrics. OKRs create clarity and help teams prioritise efforts that truly matter. For B2B and SaaS companies, they provide a roadmap for growth, product development and customer success. For nonprofits, OKRs support impact tracking, program development and fundraising effectiveness. When used consistently, they enable better performance reviews, strategic alignment and data-informed decision making. The best OKRs are ambitious yet achievable and regularly tracked to allow for adjustments as needed.