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8 OKR examples for Soft Skills

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What are Soft Skills OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Soft Skills to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Soft Skills OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Soft Skills. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to enhance my soft skills competency

  • ObjectiveEnhance my soft skills competency
  • KRComplete a recognized soft skills course with a score of 80% or higher
  • TaskResearch and select a recognized soft skills course
  • TaskTake the course exam aiming for 80% score
  • TaskRegularly study the course material
  • KRReceive a 20% improvement in feedback scores on leadership and empathy
  • TaskSchedule one-on-one mentoring sessions regularly
  • TaskImplement weekly round-table discussions for feedback
  • TaskAttend leadership and emotional intelligence workshops
  • KRSuccessfully lead one team project displaying improved collaboration and communication
  • TaskUtilize collaboration tools like Asana or Slack
  • TaskAssign clear roles to each team member
  • TaskImplement regular team meetings for open communication

OKRs to enhance soft skills proficiency amongst the sales team

  • ObjectiveEnhance soft skills proficiency amongst the sales team
  • KRImplement a comprehensive soft skills training program for the entire sales team
  • TaskIdentify potential trainers experienced in soft skills courses
  • TaskDevelop a suitable curriculum for the training program
  • TaskSchedule the training sessions for the sales team
  • KRIncrease sales team's customer satisfaction rate by 15% post-training
  • TaskRegularly monitor and evaluate sales team's customer interactions post-training
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive, customer-focused training program for sales team
  • TaskImplement feedback/improvement sessions based on customer interactions evaluation
  • KRAchieve an average post-training evaluation score of 85% or higher
  • TaskOrganize interactive post-training revision sessions
  • TaskImplement regular feedback and improvement methods
  • TaskDevelop an engaging and comprehensive training program

OKRs to enhance soft skills through effective cross-team collaboration

  • ObjectiveEnhance soft skills through effective cross-team collaboration
  • KRLead one cross-team project resulting in a 20% increase in team efficiency
  • TaskEvaluate and report the efficiency increase
  • TaskIdentify a project involving multiple teams
  • TaskDevelop and implement efficient cross-team strategies
  • KRAttend two cross-department training sessions per month to expand interpersonal skills
  • TaskSchedule attendance to two sessions
  • TaskIdentify available cross-department training sessions
  • TaskParticipate actively in chosen sessions
  • KRScore at least 4.5 in a peer-reviewed soft skills assessment by quarter end
  • TaskPractice and master active listening and empathy
  • TaskRequest and attentively incorporate peer feedback
  • TaskEnroll in and complete a soft skills improvement course

OKRs to improve software engineering skills through effective time management

  • ObjectiveImprove software engineering skills through effective time management
  • KRIncrease the number of completed coding tasks by 20% each week
  • TaskIdentify and address any obstacles or challenges that may hinder coding task completion
  • TaskEnhance collaboration and communication among team members for efficient task completion
  • TaskProvide regular feedback and support to assist in completing coding tasks
  • TaskSet clear and achievable coding task goals for each team member
  • KRImprove adherence to project deadlines by delivering work on time in 90% of cases
  • TaskImplement effective communication strategies to address obstacles and ensure timely completion
  • TaskSet clear and realistic deadlines for each project task
  • TaskPrioritize tasks and create a detailed schedule to ensure timely delivery
  • TaskRegularly track progress and provide updates to stakeholders to maintain accountability
  • KRReduce time spent on non-essential activities by 15% during work hours
  • TaskSet specific time limits for non-essential tasks to ensure efficient completion
  • TaskPrioritize and eliminate non-essential activities based on their impact and importance
  • TaskIdentify non-essential activities taking up significant time during work hours
  • TaskRegularly assess and adjust the allocation of time to non-essential activities as needed
  • KRAttend and actively participate in at least 2 time management workshops or webinars
  • TaskResearch and identify 2 time management workshops or webinars
  • TaskApply the learned time management techniques in daily activities for improved efficiency
  • TaskTake thorough notes during the workshops or webinars for future reference
  • TaskRegister for the selected workshops or webinars to secure a spot

OKRs to enhance tactical and strategic leadership skills for software developer team lead

  • ObjectiveEnhance tactical and strategic leadership skills for software developer team lead
  • KRMentor 2 team members to take on micro-leadership roles in the next project
  • TaskProvide regular feedback and coaching
  • TaskShare responsibilities and explain expectations clearly
  • TaskIdentify strengths and areas of growth for each team member
  • KRImplement new strategies and witness a minimum 15% increase in team productivity
  • TaskDevelop and communicate new strategies for identified areas
  • TaskIdentify areas in team processes that require improvement
  • TaskMonitor and measure strategy-driven productivity increases
  • KRCollaborate with HR to attend at least 3 leadership skill training or workshops
  • TaskContact HR to inquire about available leadership training opportunities
  • TaskParticipate actively in each workshop session
  • TaskSchedule times to attend three chosen sessions

OKRs to enhance organization skills for efficient billing management

  • ObjectiveEnhance organization skills for efficient billing management
  • KRComplete an advanced course in financial software systems for improved proficiency
  • TaskResearch suitable advanced courses in financial software systems
  • TaskEnroll in the selected advanced financial software course
  • TaskRegularly study and complete coursework to enhance proficiency
  • KROrganize weekly review meetings to monitor progress and identify areas of improvement
  • TaskSchedule weekly meetings with team for progress evaluation
  • TaskDesign frameworks to monitor project advancements
  • TaskEstablish metrics to identify improvement areas
  • KRImplement a digital billing system to reduce processing errors by 30%
  • TaskResearch and select appropriate digital billing system software
  • TaskClosely monitor error rates and make adjustments accordingly
  • TaskTrain accounting staff on new billing system

OKRs to enhance knowledge and skills in unit test learning process

  • ObjectiveEnhance knowledge and skills in unit test learning process
  • KRObtain a professional certification in unit testing from an established tech organization
  • TaskResearch established tech organizations that offer unit testing certifications
  • TaskEnroll in the selected professional certification program
  • TaskStudy for and pass the certification examination
  • KRComplete three comprehensive online courses on unit testing methodologies and practices
  • TaskEnroll and start the online courses
  • TaskComplete all coursework and assessments on time
  • TaskSelect three thorough online courses about unit testing methodologies
  • KRDevelop and execute unit tests for ten distinct functions in current project
  • TaskRun and analyze results of tests
  • TaskDevelop unit tests for the functions
  • TaskIdentify ten key functions within the project

OKRs to elevate programming skills to become a senior programmer

  • ObjectiveElevate programming skills to become a senior programmer
  • KRObtain proficiency in at least three advanced programming languages
  • TaskParticipate in coding challenges or hackathons to apply and showcase your proficiency
  • TaskPractice coding regularly to strengthen your skills in advanced programming languages
  • TaskCollaborate with experienced programmers or join forums to gain insights and guidance
  • TaskEnroll in online courses or tutorials to learn advanced programming languages
  • KRLead the successful completion of a complex software development project
  • TaskDefine clear project goals, deliverables, and timeline with the project team
  • TaskFoster effective communication and collaboration among team members throughout the project
  • TaskRegularly monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and take proactive steps to mitigate risks
  • TaskIdentify and allocate appropriate resources to each phase of the software development project
  • KRRegularly receive positive feedback and recognition from team members and supervisors
  • TaskFoster a positive team environment by recognizing and appreciating the achievements of team members
  • TaskContinue to improve skills and performance to enhance the likelihood of receiving positive feedback
  • TaskAcknowledge and express gratitude for positive feedback and recognition received from others
  • TaskActively seek feedback from team members and supervisors on a regular basis
  • KRMentor and guide junior programmers to enhance their technical abilities

How to write your own Soft Skills OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Soft Skills OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Soft Skills OKRs

The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Soft Skills OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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