Initiative
An Initiative is the work — project, experiment, or bet — undertaken to move a Key Result. Initiatives are inputs; Key Results are outcomes.
Overview
Confusing initiatives with Key Results produces green task lists and flat metrics. Keep delivery in project tools; keep outcomes in OKRs. Axiean focuses the OKR layer on results while reports highlight when activity is high but outcomes are flat.
Why it matters
Separating work from results creates honest learning about what actually moves the metric.
Examples
Initiative: redesign onboarding. KR: activation 25% → 40%.
Best practices
- Every initiative should name a parent Key Result.
- Kill initiatives that do not move metrics.
Common mistakes
Progress becomes % tasks done.
Rewrite as outcome metrics.
Entity relationships
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Related to
Owned by
How Axiean implements Initiative
Keep Key Results outcome-based. Use reports to spot stagnant outcomes despite busy execution.
Frequently asked questions
Are initiatives part of classic OKRs?
Classic theory focuses on Objectives and Key Results. Initiatives are a practical work layer underneath.