For a long time, I have strived to establish area objectives that are measurable, achievable, and quantifiable. Working in a department where metrics aren’t as straightforward as they are in sales or operations, this was no easy feat. My goal was to create OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) that were not only relevant to the team members but also aligned with the company’s overall performance and contributed to the personal growth of each designer.
This year, I put significant effort into following this direction. With LoopStudio setting three major macro objectives, I seized the opportunity to fulfill a personal goal I had contemplated for the past three years.
In this blog, I want to share my process and that of the entire team so that anyone in a similar situation can implement it too. Having journeyed through half of the path—we’re now wrapping up the second quarter—I can confidently say that this approach has several benefits both on a general level and for the company. It allows us to track area-specific objectives and achieve them in a timely and efficient manner.
Our Process for Implementing Area Objectives
Here is a step-by-step guide on how we implemented area objectives in our Design department:
1. Determine Categories Aligned with Company Goals
We begin by identifying key categories that align with the company’s overall objectives. We need to improve as a team in this area and, at the same time, do certain things that are under our control to encourage us to achieve the objectives at the company level. Within the categories that we determine, we can identify four large categories: documentation, training, content for the sales department and proposals.
2. Define Each Item Inside Each Category
Within each category, we broke down specific tasks. It is important that these tasks be simple. A mechanism that we often use to know if a task is well formulated “is to analyze whether we can quickly determine if it was done”.
3. Express items in Quarterly Objectives (Qs)
Each item was then converted into quarterly objectives (Qs). You have to break down all the tasks from the beginning to achieving them and divide the process into Qs. This helps set clear timelines and measurable targets. For example, setting goals for different courses with associated prices and themes could be a Q1 objective. Documenting these goals in Notion could be a Q2 milestone, and Q3 could involve completing one course per person.
4. Share with the Entire Team and participate them
The next step was to present these objectives to the entire team. We conducted a comprehensive meeting to explain each goal and allowed ample time for team members to ask questions and provide input. By involving everyone in the process, we ensure that they are engaged and committed.
5. Create a Meeting to Assign Each Task
Finally, we hold a dedicated meeting to assign specific tasks to team members. This instance was super interesting since it allowed us to distribute the tasks and determine who was interested in what task. Space was given for collaboration, the important thing here is to always leave only one person as the owner of completing the task and if someone else wants to participate, we put them as a collaborator.
This ensured that everyone felt ownership of their macro responsibilities and how their work contributed to the overall goals.
6. Documentation
After assigning tasks to each team member, the last step is to document and keep a record of them for follow-up. In our case, we document all tasks in Notion, organized by macro objectives and assigned to specific team members.
Follow-Up Plan to Ensure Progress
One of the things that personally caused me tension was the monitoring of objectives. I didn’t want to set objectives and then not be able to support them to achieve them. That’s why we are continuously thinking about how to do it. Below, we outline the actions we have established to implement a follow-up plan:
1. Create Calendar Instances
We create regular check-in instances in the calendar. These include progress meetings every month and a half, one-on-one reviews, and biannual evaluations. This structured approach helps monitor progress, promptly address issues, and maintain momentum.
2. Update Each Development Plan
Each team member’s development plan was updated to reflect their assigned objectives and tasks. This ensures that individual goals are aligned with team and company goals.
3. Motivate Each Person
Regular motivational sessions and recognition of achievements are integrated into the follow-up plan. Celebrating milestones and acknowledging hard work keeps morale high and motivation strong.
4. Provide Continuous Feedback
The incredible thing about this process is seeing how all these actions are transformed into collaborative work; hand in hand with this, it is fantastic to see the team’s commitment. Keeping channels active is important to record progress and spread motivation.
5. Facilitate Collaboration and Support
As these are area objectives that help achieve the most macro objectives of the company, it is important to encourage collaboration between teams and provide support when required; since in the same way, other areas will require our collaboration to meet their objectives and thus achieve the most macro objectives.
6. Track and Report Progress
We track progress and use daily reports to discuss potential progress or setbacks to identify any obstacles early. In addition, people who made formidable progress in relation to their development plan are recognized at the company level.
The Benefits of Area Objectives
As we progressed, several benefits became evident:
- Enhanced Focus and Clarity: The team had a clear understanding of what was expected and how their efforts contributed to the bigger picture.
- Increased Accountability: With specific, measurable goals, team members took greater ownership of their work.
- Improved efficiency: Streamlining processes led to faster response times and better resource utilization. Have first-hand a list of tasks for when we run out of anything or even to look at when we need to change the chip and work on something different at least for a few hours.
- Boosted Morale: Achieving objectives provided a sense of accomplishment and motivated the team to strive for excellence.
- Cooperation: Collaboration between peers and with other teams: It allowed the work and knowledge of people who otherwise would not have had the possibility of working together…
Conclusion
Implementing area objectives has been transformative for our Design department. It has brought structure and purpose to our efforts, aligning them with the company’s goals and fostering individual growth. As we continue on this path, we are excited about the future and the positive impact we can make.
I hope our experience inspires others to adopt a similar approach. While it requires dedication and perseverance, the rewards are well worth the effort. Here’s to a more organized, efficient, and successful future for all!
