How to Prepare Effectively for an OKR Workshop
When teams come together for an OKR (Objectives and Key Results) workshop, preparation makes all the difference. A well-prepared workshop ensures that participants can focus on what matters most: aligning around the company’s strategy, setting ambitious goals, and identifying the right actions to achieve them.
Here are a few essential steps to take before the session, both on the logistical and the content side.
1. Set Up the Right Environment
The physical setup of the room is simple, but crucial. Make sure the following materials are available:
- Screen or beamer for presentations
- Flipchart or whiteboard for capturing group discussions
- Printer paper and sticky notes for brainstorming and structuring ideas
- Laptops for participants, especially for alignment sessions and drafting OKRs
A well-equipped room makes it easier to visualize ideas, share perspectives, and document results directly.
2. Come Prepared to Reflect on Your Area of Responsibility
The success of an OKR workshop depends on the participants’ ability to bring relevant insights into the discussion. Before the workshop, take some time to reflect on the following three questions:
- What can I do with my team and resources in the next three months to make the biggest progress towards executing our company strategy and goals? — This helps connect day-to-day work with the bigger picture.
- What kind of projects are already planned in the next three months in my area of responsibility? — This ensures that OKRs are aligned with existing initiatives instead of being created in isolation.
- Are there any challenges or opportunities from daily business in my area of responsibility that need to be addressed? — This brings reality into the room and prevents OKRs from becoming too theoretical.
These guiding questions allow participants to come in with concrete ideas, which accelerates the alignment process and makes the workshop far more productive.
3. Think in Outcomes, Not Just Activities
A common trap is to focus too much on tasks and outputs. OKRs, however, are about outcomes—the measurable results that show progress. For example, instead of writing “launch a new campaign” as an objective, consider framing it as “increase brand awareness in our target group by 20%.”
Arriving at the workshop with this mindset will make it easier to translate your reflections into strong Objectives and measurable Key Results.
4. Make It a Team Effort
OKR workshops are not just about setting individual goals; they are about alignment. Encourage your team members to prepare as well, so that everyone brings insights and perspectives from their part of the business. This collective preparation leads to richer discussions and more relevant OKRs.
Final Thought
An OKR workshop is more than a meeting—it’s a strategic alignment exercise. With the right setup, thoughtful preparation, and a focus on outcomes, you can ensure the session is both efficient and impactful.
If you want your team to get the most out of your next OKR workshop, start preparing today—because great results begin with great preparation.
Need Expert Support for Your Next OKR Workshop?
If you need support or guidance to make the best out of an OKR workshop, get in touch with OKR Consultants. We help teams across Europe prepare, run, and follow up on their OKR processes—making sure workshops are not just meetings, but real drivers of alignment and measurable results.
We offer a free initial consultation to understand your specific context and challenges, and then tailor the workshop approach to your needs. Whether on-site or remote, we ensure that your team leaves the session with clarity, commitment, and a concrete path forward.