One of the biggest challenges people face when adopting OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) is shifting from output thinking to outcome thinking. You’ve probably seen posts on LinkedIn saying “Outcome > Outputs.” But what does that really mean?
Simply put, outputs are the things you make — like launching a new feature or completing a project — while outcomes are the measurable changes those outputs create, such as increased user engagement or higher revenue. Outcomes are where the real value lies for a business.
Outcome thinking encourages you to focus on why you’re doing something rather than just what you’re doing. It’s about turning vague ambitions into clear, measurable goals. For anyone working with OKRs, mastering this mindset helps ensure you’re not just busy but making progress toward meaningful results.
Building the Outcome Thinking Muscle
A practical way to develop outcome thinking is to re-examine your current big initiatives. Start by asking three simple but essential questions:
- Why are we doing this?
- How will the world change because of this?
- How will we measure success?
By applying these questions to ongoing projects, you can align your efforts with value-driven…
