The 1-3-5® Framework: Connecting OKRs to your ultimate vision of success

Business dynamics are constantly changing, and the quest for effective strategy execution is becoming increasingly prevalent. Organisations often find themselves juggling multiple frameworks and schools of thought regarding the best and fastest way to achieve their objectives, with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) being a popular choice.

However, an alternative model, known as the 1-3-5® framework, is gaining traction as a more all-encompassing method. Similar to the popular goal-setting framework of OKRs, objectives and Key Results, the 1-3-5® methodology allows business leaders to craft their objectives and key results with clarity and precision, and here’s the difference: the 1-3-5® ensures these objectives and key results are perfectly aligned with a crystal-clear vision of what success looks like for that organisation. It connects the vision with appropriate, laser-focused actions at every level of an organisation for more effective execution and faster growth.

Let’s delve into the differences between OKRs and the 1-3-5® framework and explore why the latter is gaining traction as a viable alternative for a faster pace of strategy execution.

Understanding OKRs

OKRs, objectives and key results, pioneered by Intel and popularised by Google, are a goal-setting framework that helps organisations define and track objectives and their outcomes.

An OKR consists of:

• Objective: A clear, concise goal that provides direction.
• Key Results: Specific, measurable actions that demonstrate progress towards the objective.

OKRs operate on a cycle, often quarterly, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and alignment. They effectively set ambitious targets and clarify the focus on what needs to be achieved. However, while OKRs are excellent for creating that clarity around what needs to be done, they can sometimes fall short in detailing the where, and by this, we mean where the business is trying to get to by achieving those objectives. This leaves out the important part of goal-setting: empowering everyone to put in the effort to arrive at their ultimate destination, i.e achieve their ultimate vision.

Pete Wilkinson, creator of the award-winning 1-3-5® framework, comments, “We love OKRs, but what we’ve noticed is that oftentimes, organisations need to look further downstream and really clarify exactly what they are trying to achieve in the long term and where they want to get to as a business. Communicating a crystal-clear vision throughout all your teams creates a culture of collaboration and empowers employees to work together better and work harder to achieve that. Sharing the vision and showing clear links between that and each team’s direct responsibilities improves engagement and decision-making; everyone is 100% clear on the end goal/overarching business vision.”

Introducing the 1-3-5® Framework

The 1-3-5® framework addresses this gap by offering a structured approach that allows you to set goals and provide a detailed plan for achieving them. It also links each part of this back to the vision.

The 1-3-5® framework consists of:

• 1x Crystal-Clear Vision: The overarching, long-term vision of success, essentially where you want the business to get to, usually over the next 12 months; this vision aligns with the organisation’s mission and values and should be written as if it’s already been achieved. It should be inspirational, motivational, and designed to empower everyone across the organisation.
• 3x Mission-Critical Objectives: The vision is then divided into three key areas of focus, all of which are required to achieve it. These objectives provide thorough details about what is required to achieve the vision.
• 5x Key Results (per objective): These are measurable stepping-stone actions required that signify progress towards achieving each of the objectives and, therefore, the vision. These specifically detail how you will achieve the three objectives by breaking each one down into measurable actions.

Connecting Vision to Execution

The primary advantage of the 1-3-5® framework is its ability to bridge the gap between high-level vision and day-to-day operations. Here’s how it stands out:

1. Clarity and Focus: By starting with a single, clear vision, the 1-3-5® framework ensures that all efforts are aligned with the organisation’s ultimate goal. This clarity cascades down into objectives and key results, providing a structured pathway from vision to execution.

2. Actionable Roadmap: While OKRs detail what needs to be done at different levels, the 1-3-5® framework goes a step further by including why these things need to be done, relating to where the business is trying to get to. Following those, the five key results under each objective serve as actionable steps, ensuring that teams know exactly how these objectives will be achieved.

3. Scalability and Flexibility: The 1-3-5® framework is scalable across different levels of an organisation. It can be applied to an entire company, a department, or even an individual’s goals. Moreover, its flexible nature allows for adjustments as needed, ensuring that the strategic plan remains relevant and achievable.

4. Enhanced Accountability: With clearly defined key results and a direct link to objectives and vision, the 1-3-5® framework fosters full accountability and transparency from the CEO level to the cleaner. All teams and individuals fully understand their roles and responsibilities, which enhances commitment and ownership of the results. Employees can visualise how their hard work directly impacts the overall progress and performance of the business, encouraging movement towards the ultimate vision.

5. Faster Growth: The 1-3-5® framework accelerates the implementation and execution of your strategy by providing a clear, cascading execution plan. This leads to quicker iterations, faster feedback loops, and more rapid progress towards achieving the vision.

Having the vision in constant sight provides a filter for employees at every level to question their work and identify if what they are doing daily is the right thing required to move the business closer to this vision. The vision unites the business, bringing everyone together, on the same page and working hard in the same direction.

Conclusion

While OKRs have proven their value in setting ambitious goals and aligning teams, the 1-3-5® framework offers a highly comprehensive approach to strategy execution. By connecting a clear vision to specific, actionable key results, the 1-3-5® framework allows organisations to set goals and also ensures everyone in the organisation fully understands the bigger picture of why they are working towards those and where the business is aiming to get to.

This holistic approach enhances clarity and accountability and drives faster growth, making the 1-3-5® framework a powerful tool for any organisation aiming to really strive and stay ahead in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world.

For more information on this award-winning 1-3-5® framework, take a look at our free interactive Strategy Simplifier™. It allows you to enter your vision and create your very own custom-made 1-3-5® plan with the help of AI technology. It only takes a few minutes and will turn your vision into a structured 1-3-5® action plan ready for execution! Alternatively, if you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing hello@reclaro.com.