A simple checklist to run a clean OKR cycle from start to finish. Set the right cadence, get the right people in the room, and walk out of each cycle knowing exactly what worked and what to fix next time.
The checklist is the same one our coaches use with clients. Use it as a working doc with your team.
What’s in the checklist
- The OKR setting sequence, week by week, from strategy review to first check-in.
- A pre-workshop prep list so the room is not a surprise to anyone.
- Roles and responsibilities for the cycle: who runs the workshop, who scores, who calls the retro.
- The weekly check-in rhythm that keeps OKR honest.
- A simple end-of-cycle retro you can run in 45 minutes.
How to use it
- Before the cycle. Run through the prep list. Confirm who is in the room, what data they need to bring, and what success looks like for the workshop.
- In the workshop. Walk the team through the checklist live. It is short on purpose, so people can stay focused on writing good OKRs rather than learning a template.
- During the cycle. Pull the checklist out each week. Confirm the check-in cadence, score confidence, and surface blockers early.
- At the end of the cycle. Use the retro section to close the cycle properly. What worked, what did not, what changes for next time.
Who it’s for
Founders, team leaders, OKR champions, and anyone running their first or second OKR cycle. Especially useful if you are leading the rollout yourself and want to avoid the common mistakes that derail cycle one.
Pair it with
The OKR Cheat Sheet covers the framework. The Mid-Cycle Review Checklist covers the deep mid-cycle conversation. The Confidence Scoring Template covers the weekly check-in. Together they cover a complete cycle.
