OKRs Are Not Just for Big Companies - Why Small and Mid-Sized Teams Need Them Too

“OKRs are for big companies like Google, Zomato, LinkedIn, and the like.”

As a young company, do you ever feel this way?

You’re not alone. Many founders and startup teams assume that OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are complex frameworks reserved for large organisations.

But interestingly, Google adopted OKRs when it had just around 40 team members, and that decision played a pivotal role in helping them achieve some of their most ambitious goals.

Since then, countless companies — both large and small — have embraced the OKR framework and seen measurable success.

Why OKRs Matter for Small and Growing Companies

The OKR framework isn’t just about setting goals — it’s about creating focus, alignment, and momentum. Whether you’re a team of 10, 100, or 1,000 & beyond, OKRs help transform ambitious ideas into structured, trackable progress.

Here’s how OKRs can make a difference for startups and mid-sized organisations -

1. Clarity - Define What Truly Matters

In the early stages, it’s easy to get pulled in multiple directions. OKRs help you prioritise your ambitions, sharpen your focus, and define measurable outcomes that actually drive impact.

2. Alignment - Connect Teams to the Bigger Vision

As teams grow, alignment can slip. OKRs create visibility across departments, making it clear who’s working on what — and how each initiative connects to overall company goals.

3. Progress - Stay Accountable and On Track

OKRs aren’t just about planning — they’re about consistent execution. With built-in tracking and review cadences, OKRs ensure teams stay accountable and keep moving toward measurable results.

4. Shared Momentum - Build a Unified Culture

Transparency in OKRs fosters shared ownership and collective drive. When everyone knows what success looks like and clued in about reviews and shared celebrations, engagement rises and teams rally behind a common purpose.

OKRs in Action - Scaling from 0 to 1

Even small teams of 10 - 15 members can benefit enormously from OKRs. They help you chart your 0-to-1 journey by bringing structure, accountability, and focus from day one.

For mid-sized organisations, OKRs act as a filter against chaos, helping teams prioritise among competing goals and make steady progress toward their business vision.

The Bottom Line

OKRs aren’t a corporate luxury, but actually a growth enabler. They bring clarity to chaos, turn strategy into execution, and align your entire team behind what matters most.

For young, ambitious companies, OKRs can be the difference between scattered effort and strategic progress.

Ready to See OKRs in Action?

If you’re curious about how OKRs can transform your team’s focus and execution rhythm, we’d love to help you get started.

Book a Demo