You’ve probably heard the saying, What gets measured gets managed. But just setting big goals—like OKRs—isn’t enough on its own.
If you’re not careful, those goals can pile up, get stuck, or drift out of sight. Before long, you’re wading through what I call the OKR swamp—lots of plans, not much progress.
A straightforward way to avoid this is to put all your goals on one visible board—a single place where you and your team can see what you’re aiming for and how it’s going.
Here are a few ways I’ve seen this work well:
Instead of keeping each department’s goals hidden in their own documents, bring them together on the same board. It helps everyone understand not just their own priorities but where they overlap—or clash—with others.
Map out the journey each goal takes. Start with ideas you’re considering. Then move to goals you’re committed to, what you’re actively working on, and finally, where you step back to reflect on what worked. This rhythm keeps you from slipping into a “set it and forget it” habit.
Be honest about whether goals are really moving forward. For example, mark each goal as Red, Yellow, or Green. Start everything in Red, and only shift it forward when there’s real evidence of progress. This helps you focus on what’s stalled, rather than what’s flowing well.
Limit how many goals you’re working on at once. When everything’s a priority, nothing is.
Show who’s involved in each goal. If you notice the same people spread across too many commitments, that’s worth a conversation.
And remember, if your board starts looking too crowded or confusing, that’s a signal. It means you might have too much in play, or not enough clarity about what matters most.
Make it a habit to check this board when you review progress or think about new ideas. It’s a simple way to spark better conversations and keep your goals from sinking into the swamp.
How are you managing your Goals? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.