Concept · Entity

Key Result

A Key Result is the measurable HOW of an Objective — a numeric benchmark with a start, target, and deadline. As John Doerr cites: it is not a Key Result unless it has a number. When all Key Results are met, the Objective is achieved.

KRmeasurable outcomeOKR metric

· Part of the Axiean OKR Entity Network

Overview

Key Results evolve during the cycle as work progresses. They should be verifiable without debate. Task lists (“launch five campaigns”) are initiatives, not Key Results. Axiean supports numeric, percentage, and boolean Key Results with weighted contribution to Objective progress, check-in history, and staleness signals.

Why it matters

Key Results turn ambition into evidence. Without them, OKRs are slogans.

Examples

Numeric

Increase MRR from $120k to $180k.

Percentage

Raise free-to-paid conversion from 2.5% to 4.0%.

Best practices

  • 2–4 Key Results per Objective.
  • Always include a number and a date boundary (the cycle).
  • Prefer outcomes over outputs.

Common mistakes

Mistake
Task-shaped Key Results

Green tasks, red business.

Fix

Measure the customer or business effect.

Entity relationships

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How Axiean implements Key Result

Add Key Results under an Objective with start/current/target, type, and weight. Check in weekly; progress rolls up automatically.

Frequently asked questions

How many Key Results per Objective?

Best practice is 2–4.

Put Key Result into practice with Axiean

Axiean is OKR & KPI management software for modern teams. Evaluate with a 1-month demo — then run Objectives, Key Results, check-ins, and leadership reports in one platform.