okr-framework

Roles & Responsibilities in an OKR Rollout

Table of Contents

Clear responsibilities are the backbone of a successful Objectives and Key Results (OKR) rollout. A well-defined allocation of roles not only brings clarity to the workflow, but also instills ownership, facilitating smooth execution of the process.

In this article, you'll learn about the key roles and how they need to work together to ensure a successful change process.

Successful OKR implementation requires four key roles

Program Lead Office

Responsible for the roll out of OKRs within the organization

They are entrusted with creating a Rollout Plan, managing all internal stakeholders, and ensuring a smooth implementation of the OKR process. Additionally, the PLO team facilitates regular management reporting for executives, keeping them updated on the progress and success of the OKR implementation. They also manage the OKR Coach Community, leading a team of coaches who offer guidance and support to teams throughout the OKR process. Once implemented, they 'own' the internal OKR process and are responsible for adapting it to the organization's needs from cycle to cycle.

OKR Coach Community

The OKR Coach Community provides extensive support and guidance to teams 

Their role is essential in promoting a clear understanding of OKRs across all levels of the organization and supporting teams in their effective execution. In addition, the OKR Coach Community is in constant communication with the Programme Lead Office, sharing insights and best practices to optimize the process and contribute to the overall success of the rollout. In general, they foster an outcome-oriented mindset and play a critical role in the success of the OKR process.

Sponsor

Executive Sponsor as lead supporter from management

The Executive Sponsor's engagement in the OKR process is vital, providing assistance to the PLO whenever challenges arise. The Sponsor is involved in the development of the rollout plan, ensuring that the plan is on budget, efficient and likely to deliver successful results. The Sponsor also promotes the framework internally by communicating the OKRs at company events and is involved in the actual operational processes, such as drafting, once the framework is implemented.

Leadership

Needs to take active part as role model in the OKR process

Leaders set the tone, direction and vision for the entire organization. Their commitment is critical to seamlessly integrating OKRs throughout the organization and fostering an outcome-oriented mindset at all levels. In addition, leaders can benefit from coaching to align their leadership approach with the OKR process and to skilfully address any challenges that may arise.

A RACI Matrix can be helpful to document roles and responsibilities in an OKR process - you can find an example here!

An effective change ecosystem must be the foundation on which the roles interact

The various key roles need to interact in a way that not only facilitates the correct roll-out, but also demonstrates its value to the relevant people. An effective change ecosystem is the basis for this:

Two roles are most crucial to roll out OKRs in an organization

The Program Lead Office and OKR Coach Community must be carefully staffed to ensure a successful OKR program, as they are deeply involved in the events of the OKR Cycle.

Learn more about the OKR cycle in our article

Therefore, you have to make sure that the people you assign are committed to the mission, have the right role fit and have the skills to perform the key tasks. We have summarized this information in the table below to help you make an informed decision.

Program Lead Office (PLO)

Mission They drive the implementation of the OKR process on all levels of the organization
Role fit Internal influencers with understanding in employee’s struggles, experiences in managing projects/programs and a strong connection to leadership
Tasks - Embed the OKR process effectively in the respective unit
- Assign OKR Coaches, organize the required enablement and make sure every team receives the required support
- Provide OKR Coaches required material to facilitate OKR events, e.g. OKR playbook
- Monitor and steer the OKR process
- Continuously exchange with OKR Coaches on best practices and learnings
- Stakeholder Management in the respective unit
- If required: Implement targeted communication channels and formats to enable a consistent communication across the organization / respective unit

OKR Coach Community

Mission Maximize the value of the OKR process, providing guidance to teams, facilitating OKR events such as drafting and general process support.
Role fit Existing multipliers, employees with an agile background, all of whom have ambitions around the OKRs.
Tasks - Be the point of contact for OKR teams regarding OKR related questions
- Provide respective teams with required OKR knowledge
- Schedule and organize OKR events in exchange with Program Lead Office
- Support facilitation of OKR events with the respective OKR teams assigned to
- Share learnings and best practices with Program Lead Office and other OKR Coaches
- Promote OKRs within the organization
- Mediate between team members and Program Lead Office for all questions that are out of scope (e.g. regarding the Workpath platform)

How Workpath supports the OKR Rollout

Workpath provides a range of individualized support services to assist in your OKR process.

Customer Success Manager 

The Customer Success Manager (CSM) is the trusted advisor to Workpath customers during the OKR rollout. The CSM guides the customer through the entire customer journey and ensures that the expected business value is achieved. The CSM enables the customer to implement Workpath, provides recommendations on how the process can be developed, and discusses product feedback and requirements. The role of the CSM is therefore central to improving customer experience and satisfaction.

Customer Support

Workpath Customer Support is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction. Whether it is a product question or a potential bug report, our team is here to help. Workpath Support can be contacted at support@workpath.com at any time to resolve technical issues.

Customer Education Specialist

The aim of our Customer Education Specialist is not just to provide an additional service, but to act as an enabler for a successful OKR process. We believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to be successful. Additional services include;

  • Decision Support Services: Identify, discuss and prioritize key barriers to effective strategy execution. Feel more confident and prepared for your OKR rollout
  • Health Checks: Review your current strategy execution process. Get a complete assessment & unlock the full potential of your OKR process
  • OKR Masterclasses: Gain skills & knowledge to feel confident and prepared for your first cycle. Master OKRs for organizational growth through practical experience and coach insights
  • And much more
Workpath Masterclass

FAQ

What are the roles and responsibilities during an OKR rollout?

The roles and responsibilities in the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) process include the Program Lead Office (PLO), OKR Coach Community, Sponsor, and Leadership. The PLO oversees the roll out of OKRs, creating a Rollout Plan, managing internal stakeholders, and updating executives. The OKR Coach Community provides guidance to teams, helping them understand and execute OKRs effectively. The Sponsor, typically an executive, offers vital support to the PLO and helps in crafting the Rollout Plan. Finally, the Leadership has the responsibility to actively participate in drafting top-level OKRs and aligning their leadership style with the OKR process.

What is the role of the OKR champion?

The term 'OKR champion' can refer to either the Program Lead Office (PLO) or the OKR Coach. These individuals champion the OKR process within the organization, providing guidance, facilitating alignment and communication, and helping teams navigate the process. They also monitor progress and performance against OKRs and encourage adherence to the OKR process across the organization.

What is the role of OKR Master?

An OKR Master, similar to an OKR Coach, is a role assumed by someone who has extensive experience and understanding of the OKR methodology. They act as a mentor, educator, and facilitator to guide teams and individuals in implementing and executing OKRs. They ensure OKRs are correctly defined, aligned with organizational goals, and consistently tracked and reviewed.

What is the OKR process?

The OKR process refers to the iterative framework of defining, tracking, and reviewing Objectives and Key Results within an organization. It includes setting strategic goals (Objectives) and measurable outcomes (Key Results) to achieve those goals. The process involves several stages, including drafting OKRs, aligning OKRs across the organization, conducting regular check-ins to track progress, reviewing OKRs at the end of a cycle, and conducting a retrospective to learn from the process and make improvements.

What is an OKR roadmap?

An OKR roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the organization's main objectives and the key results that will indicate progress towards these objectives over a certain period. It provides a clear path for what the organization wants to achieve and how it plans to do so. The roadmap is often divided into quarters, aligning with the typical OKR cycle, and is a vital tool for communicating the company's strategic direction.

Who owns the OKR process?

The ownership of the OKR process typically lies with the Program Lead Office (PLO). They are responsible for driving the implementation of the OKR process at all levels of the organization and ensuring that it is correctly adhered to. However, effective OKR implementation requires the active involvement and commitment of everyone in the organization, including the OKR coaches, leadership, and all teams and individuals setting and working towards OKRs.

Reach out to our team to begin your OKR journey and experience the effectiveness of a structured, well-implemented OKR process.