KPI vs OKRs: What's the difference? Thinkydoers Ep 09

KPI vs. OKRs: What’s the difference?

Last updated: 8/24/2025

What’s the difference between KPI vs OKRs? And specifically, what’s the difference between a KPI and a Key Result? Here’s a simple answer, with examples, to help make this concept easy to understand.

You’ll find out what defines KPIs, KRs, stretch goals, and commits, what they mean, how they impact businesses, and how they overlap. We discuss the problems caused by confusing these terms, which can lead to damaged trust, safety, and a reduction in employee engagement. We even use Sara’s personal health and well-being KPIs and KRs as an example to help you understand the differences! So, to hear all about KPIs and KRs and to be reminded of the importance of using clear language, tune in today!

Watch the video version via YouTube, or you can listen to the audio right here (or wherever you listen to podcasts):

Key Points From This Episode:

What a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is and what it means.
What Key Results (KR) are and what job we hire them to do.
When might a KPI become a KR?
An example of the differences between KPIs and KRs, using health and well-being measures as an analogy.
What’s different about when we miss our goals on commits vs. Key Results (and why – in our definition – a KPI is never “missed,” but may be headed in the wrong direction)
Some organizational issues that can arise when language is not used clearly.
What “Commits” are and why there should be few of them in our aligned goal models.
Some things you should ask yourself as we approach our mid-year reset.

For more information on any of the above, find me at saralobkovich.com or reach out via my contact page.

Tweetables:

“Just like we might keep an eye on our blood pressure, abdominal measurement, or [daily steps] to make sure they all stay in a healthy range, we keep an eye on our KPIs in our business to make sure it’s healthy.” — @saralobkovich [0:02:39]

“Our key results are our most important measures of progress and success that are actually prioritized for improvement.” — @saralobkovich [0:03:13]

“Where our KPIs are indicators, our key results are goals.” — @saralobkovich [0:03:30]

“We want to keep our number of commits small because if they must be achieved 100% or there may be consequences, they need to be resource supported and not highly speculative.” — @saralobkovich [0:09:11]

“We can eliminate confusion, clarify expectations, and keep everyone on the same page by using language that’s [clearer].” — @saralobkovich [0:12:16]

**Links Mentioned in Today’**s Episode: