Measure What Matters

How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs

by John Doerr

4.5(9,365 ratings)

8 min read

Brief overview

This book unveils a practical framework for turning ambitious visions into measurable outcomes. It shows how to prioritize goals, unify teams, measure progress effectively, and build a transparent culture that fosters both individual growth and organizational success. Whether you’re a startup or a global corporation, the methods shared here can help you stay accountable, inspired, and ready to adapt.

Introduction

Why do some companies flourish while others flounder? In many cases, it boils down to how they set and strive toward goals. In this opening section, we see that focusing on the right objectives can be transformative—especially if the entire organization stays aligned. By sharing actual success stories, this book inspires us to rethink how we work, lead, and measure results.

Here, we learn how big names in tech, philanthropy, and beyond use a simple but powerful system to ensure everyone—from CEO to intern—pulls together along the same path. The lesson: It’s not just about having big ideas; it’s about defining what matters most and making it happen.

Think of this as a new road map for steering your organization and your team in the right direction: focusing on the vital few priorities, then measuring progress as you go. This approach champions transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The Origin of OKRs

Decades ago, a forward-thinking leader realized that goals needed to be precise—both in scope and targetable milestones. That’s how Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) first emerged, aiming to banish vague wish lists and replace them with bold yet measurable aspirations.

An easy way to see the difference is through clarity: An *Objective* is where you want to go, while *Key Results* show how you’ll know when you get there. By locking down these elements, teams can push forward with genuine purpose, not guesswork.

Early adopters of OKRs discovered that it injected focus and discipline into fast-changing companies. This structure worked for both tiny startups and major tech giants, shaping cultures that prized both ambition and tangible outcomes.

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What is Measure What Matters about?

"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr is a game-changing book that introduces readers to the transformative power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Drawing inspiration and insights from industry leaders like Google and giants like Intel, Doerr offers a detailed roadmap for organizations aiming to clarify and align their mission with concrete action. The book emphasizes the role of OKRs in setting defined goals, tracking progress, and invoking a culture of clarity and accountability across teams. This approach enables organizations to pivot swiftly, innovate repeatedly, and maintain focus on their most crucial objectives.

The pivotal message of "Measure What Matters" lies in demonstrating how well-crafted OKRs can drive performance by unifying fragmented efforts into coherent strategies. Doerr enriches his narrative with compelling case studies, highlighting how entities across sectors—from tech firms to global nonprofits—have successfully employed OKRs to achieve significant milestones. In today's fast-evolving market landscape, understanding and implementing OKRs can be crucial for any organization seeking sustainable success, making this book an indispensable read for anyone charged with leadership.

Review of Measure What Matters

John Doerr's "Measure What Matters" stands out not only for its insightful exploration of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) but also for its practical applicability across diverse industries. One of the book's primary strengths is its collection of real-world examples demonstrating OKRs in action, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. These anecdotes are not merely illustrative but serve as robust case studies showing how clarity in objectives can lead to the most extraordinary achievements.

Doerr's writing is engaging and accessible, even for readers unfamiliar with business lingo. He offers succinct explanations without forsaking depth, making complex management strategies understandable and actionable. Moreover, the book's dedication to fostering innovation and transparency through structured goal-setting provides a fresh perspective on team collaboration and personal accountability.

The book is particularly relevant for executives and managers eager to invigorate their organizational processes. It advocates for a dynamic approach to performance management, encouraging ongoing feedback and reflection rather than static annual reviews. Ultimately, "Measure What Matters" is more than a guide—it is a philosophy that inspires ongoing growth and meaningful success. High praise and recommended for anyone aiming to elevate their personal or organizational productivity.

Who should read Measure What Matters?

Business Executives: Those in leadership roles seeking strategies to enhance organizational alignment and productivity.
Project Managers: Individuals looking for effective ways to set and achieve team goals through structured frameworks.
HR Professionals: Those involved in performance management, seeking continuous feedback mechanisms to replace outdated annual reviews.
Entrepreneurs and Startups: New ventures needing clarity and focus to navigate fast-paced business challenges.
Team Leaders and Members: Professionals aiming to contribute effectively within their teams by aligning personal goals with organizational objectives.

About the author

John Doerr is a renowned American venture capitalist and chairman of Kleiner Perkins. He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering from Rice University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. With over 37 years of experience in venture capital, he has sponsored investments in companies like Google, Amazon, and Intuit, creating over 500,000 jobs. He is the author of "Measure What Matters," a handbook on setting and achieving audacious goals using OKRs, and has received numerous awards, including the 2019 Lifetime Achievement in Venture Capital Award from the National Venture Capital Association.