Reference Guide
OKR Glossary
Every OKR and goal-setting term you need to know
OKRs come with their own vocabulary. This glossary defines the key terms you'll encounter when implementing Objectives and Key Results in your organization.
Key Terms
Objective
A qualitative, inspiring goal that describes what you want to achieve. It should be memorable, motivating, and provide clear direction.
Key Result
A quantitative measure that shows progress toward an Objective. Key Results should be specific, measurable, and time-bound.
OKR
Objectives and Key Results — a goal-setting framework that connects ambitious goals (Objectives) to measurable outcomes (Key Results).
Leading Indicator
A metric that predicts future performance and can be influenced directly. Useful for Key Results that need early feedback.
Lagging Indicator
A metric that measures outcomes after they've occurred. Often important but harder to influence directly.
Stretch Goal
An ambitious target that pushes beyond comfort zone. In OKRs, typically set so that achieving 70-80% would be a good outcome.
Committed vs Aspirational
Committed OKRs must be achieved (100% target); Aspirational OKRs are stretch goals where 60-70% achievement is success.
Cadence
The rhythm of setting, reviewing, and updating OKRs. Common cadences: Annual (company), Quarterly (team), Weekly (reviews).
Cascade
How OKRs flow from company to team to individual. Can be top-down, bottom-up, or bidirectional alignment.
Alignment
How OKRs at different levels connect and support each other without creating rigid dependency chains.
Check-in
Regular (often weekly) progress review of Key Results to assess status and identify blockers.
Confidence Level
A subjective assessment (often 1-10) of likelihood to achieve a Key Result by the deadline.
Initiative
A project or effort undertaken to move a Key Result. The 'how' that drives the 'what' of OKRs.
Activity vs Outcome
Activities are things you do; Outcomes are results you achieve. Good Key Results measure outcomes, not activities.
Health Metric
A baseline measure that should be maintained while pursuing OKRs. Prevents achieving goals at unsustainable cost.
Pro Tip
"Don't get caught up in the vocabulary"
The terminology matters less than the practice. Focus on getting clear about what you're trying to achieve (Objectives) and how you'll know you're making progress (Key Results). The words will follow.