Episode 9

Cascading OKRs: rigid vs. directional

Published on: 18th August, 2021

If you've read "Measure What Matters" you've probably come across the term cascading OKRs. Typically, when you think of cascading OKRs, top-down rigid cascading is what comes to mind.

In an ideal world, rigid cascading seems logical — it gives an impression that an entire organization is pulling in the same direction. In reality organizations are slightly more complex and require multi-directional goal setting.

Top-down cascading is a reflection of traditional command and control. Therefore, there's a good reason why many softwares and consultants discourage top-down cascading of goals.

So what is cascading OKRs all about? We spoke to Peter Kappus, an OKR consultant, about:

  • The definition of cascading OKRs
  • Why organizations should avoid rigid top-down cascading?
  • What should organizations be focusing on instead?
  • Rigid vs. directional cascading

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Curious to learn more? Here are some additional resources:

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Ready to track your OKRs the right way? Head over to Perdoo and create a FREE account.

Learn more about strategy, goals (OKRs & KPIs) & growth — visit the Perdoo Resources Hub.

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About the Podcast

Goal Diggers: OKR, KPIs, strategy, and people management.
A podcast that covers the ins and outs of strategy, goals (OKRs & KPIs), and people management.
Goal Diggers is a podcast on strategy, goals, and people management.

With the industry’s experts and greatest thought leaders, we'll cover topics on Objectives & Key Results (OKRs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), strategy, and everything in-between.

This podcast is brought to you by Perdoo: The Performance Management Software to create high-performing organizations.

For more information about Perdoo, head over to: www.perdoo.com.

About your host

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Zahra Currimbhoy

As a part of the marketing team at Perdoo and having worked with goals, especially the OKR framework, for a little over 1.5 years now, I couldn’t be happier to bring you insights on helping you and your organization in being successful!