At McKenna Agile Consultants, we’ve seen firsthand how companies who implement Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) can become stuck in a rut trying to execute against them or achieve all of their key results by setting the bar too low, with key results that are too unambitious, too easy, too vague and too unimportant.
Here’s our theory – we’re trying to be too smart.
After reading the whitepaper by Donald Sull and Charles Sull, we agree that traditional goal-setting frameworks like SMART can stifle innovation and slow progress. While SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—are a tried and tested means to creating quality goals, they fall short when it comes to setting ambitious Key Results (KRs) within the OKR framework in two places – being too achievable and secondly, being focused on the end goal and not how we get there. That’s where FAST goals come in.
What are FAST Goals?
FAST stands for Frequently discussed, Ambitious, Specific, and Transparent. FAST goals are designed to drive continuous improvement and agility within teams, aligning perfectly with the dynamic nature of OKRs. Unlike SMART goals, which can encourage a “set it and forget it” mentality, FAST goals emphasise regular interaction and adaptation.
1. Frequently Discussed: Encourage Regular Check-ins
The first and most critical element of FAST goals is that they are frequently discussed. In an agile environment, constant communication is key to inspect and adapt. Instead of setting goals once and reviewing them at the end of a quarter, FAST goals require an ongoing dialogue. This keeps everyone aligned and allows for quick pivots when necessary.
Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins ensure that progress towards Key Results is consistently monitored and adjusted as needed. A failure to create a regular rhythm to OKR cycles is one of the reasons why we see OKRs fail.
Learn some of the common reasons why OKRs fail here.
2. Ambitious Goals: Driving Innovation and Growth
OKRs are meant to be transformational and ambitious. Ambitious goals push teams to think beyond what seems possible. While SMART goals might encourage teams to stay within their comfort zones, FAST goals challenge them to reach for more. Ambition fuels creativity and innovation, leading to breakthroughs that SMART goals simply don’t inspire.
The challenging OKRs that you set for your organisation should not fit the work that you have already defined, it should inspire new ideas, new products, new processes and new behaviours.
3. Specific and Transparent: Creating Clarity and Accountability
Like SMART goals, FAST goals are specific, but with an added layer of transparency. When goals are clear and openly shared across the organization, it fosters a culture of accountability. Teams know exactly what is expected of them, and leaders can track progress in real-time. This openness also encourages cross-functional collaboration, as everyone has visibility into each other’s objectives.
Where Does Time-Bound and Measurable Fit?
But wait, isn’t time-bound and measurable two critical elements of creating a great Key Result?
They are and there is a place for these when you’re setting FAST key results. The time-bound element can be taken from your OKR execution cycle. If you’re working to a quarterly cycle, then all key results should be able to be achieved in less than 12 weeks.
In terms of being measurable, this is in the specific part of FAST key results. If you apply the words of wisdom from Marissa Mayer, former Google Vice President, “It’s not a Key Result unless it has a number” to all key results as standard practice, then you just need to be specific about the metric that you’re measuring.
What is the Difference Between SMART and FAST?
Approach to Goal Achievement: SMART goals focus on goals being achievable while FAST emphasizes being ambitious, pushing teams to think beyond what seems possible.
Goal Interaction: SMART often follow a “set it and forget it” approach whereas FAST involves regular check-ins to monitor progress, adapt, and stay aligned.
Focus on Process vs. Outcome: SMART goals can lack emphasis on the ongoing journey or adjustments needed along the way. In contrast, FAST goals encourage teams to engage in dynamic discussions and adjustments throughout the cycle.
Transparency and Accountability: SMART goals don’t inherently emphasize openness within the organization whereas FAST goals promote clarity and accountability through open communication of goals across teams.
In summary, while SMART goals are practical for setting clear, achievable objectives, they may limit ambition and adaptability. FAST goals, on the other hand, prioritize ambition, frequent discussion, and transparency, fostering a more agile and innovative environment.
How To Be Successful with FAST OKRs
To truly benefit from using FAST goals with your OKRs, having an OKR execution cycle in place is non-negotiable. This cycle ensures that FAST goals are not only set but also reviewed and adjusted frequently. It creates a rhythm for continuous improvement, keeping teams agile and focused on what really matters.
The second non-negotiable is ensure that all Key Results contain a number. This will ensure that you are focusing on outputs and outcomes over inputs.
By adopting FAST goals into your OKR writing process, you can build a culture of agility, innovation, and accountability—driving your team to achieve extraordinary results.
Our expert team provides tailored OKR solutions to help you set clear goals, measure progress, and drive meaningful results. If you’re looking for support with OKR training, coaching or executing OKRs successfully, get in touch with us today.