How OKRs Help Mindfields Stay Ahead in Automation & AI

To stay ahead of the curve, setting big goals is not the only criteria to succeed —for an organization, it’s about ensuring teams are aligned, focused, and adaptable. Organizations should be able to turn strategy into action by setting clear objectives and tracking measurable key results. This is where Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) come into play.

Companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Intel have long used OKRs to drive innovation and keep teams aligned with their larger vision. In industries like automation and AI, where technology evolves rapidly, OKRs help businesses stay ahead by ensuring every team works towards the right priorities.

At Mindfields, our shift from RPA to Agentic AI and other emerging technologies called for a structured way to keep every department aligned. OKRs have become the foundation of this transformation, ensuring that every effort contributes to our broader vision.

Understanding OKRs - What, Why, and How

What Are OKRs?

OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a goal-setting methodology that keeps organizations focused on high-impact priorities. They ensure that teams and individuals align with company goals while measuring progress in a structured way.

Figure 1: Sample objective setting for HR department

OKRs vs. Performance Reviews

While performance reviews assess past results, OKRs are forward-thinking. They push teams to aim higher, collaborate more, and adapt quickly to changes.

Why OKRs Matter?

• They help organizations set ambitious, measurable goals, keeping them competitive in fast-changing industries.
• They promote accountability by aligning teams on priorities and expected outcomes.
• They foster agility, allowing companies to pivot quickly when needed.

How Mindfields Uses OKRs to drive Alignment and Growth

At Mindfields, OKRs are more than a framework—they are the glue that connects our strategic vision with everyday execution. Here’s how we put them into practice:

A Clear Company Vision

Every OKR ties back to our larger mission—transitioning from RPA to Agentic AI while leading in automation and digital transformation. Each department’s goals contribute to this shift, ensuring alignment across the organization.

Department-Specific OKRs

We set quarterly OKRs so that each team can focus on high-impact initiatives while staying aligned with company-wide objectives. For example, our delivery team drives efficiency improvements, while the leadership team works on expanding our global reach.

Training and Continuous Improvement

To embed OKRs into our culture, we train new team members on the framework and host annual reboot sessions to review, reflect, and analyze progress before setting company objectives for the next year. These training sessions also help avoid confusion among team members regarding OKRs, KPIs, and the impact of achieving OKRs on performance reviews.

Breaking Silos with Cross-Team Collaboration

OKRs encourage transparency and teamwork, breaking down silos and ensuring that teams collaborate on shared objectives for greater synergy.

Regular Check-Ins to Maintain Momentum

Frequent reviews help us track progress, remove roadblocks, and refine strategies. We conduct fortnightly check-ins to ensure teams stay on track and aligned.

Managing OKR Adoption Challenges

One challenge we faced was aligning department heads with OKRs when BAU (Business as Usual) felt overwhelming. To address this, we encouraged them to:

• Take on only 30% of their goals as ambitious, breaking them down into SMART goals
• Empower team members to own Key Results, reducing the burden on department heads

Recognizing OKR Champions

To keep the momentum high, we recognize an individual each quarter who has demonstrated exceptional performance in the OKR space with the “Mind your OKRs” award —whether through outstanding execution, alignment, or impact. This not only motivates teams but reinforces the importance of OKRs in driving success.

Technology-Enabled Execution

The right tool makes all the difference. We initially considered 15Five but later switched to Peoplebox due to its versatility—offering features like business reviews, progress tracking, and goal weightages. By keeping our approach structured yet adaptable, we ensure that OKRs drive real impact and keep us ahead in an evolving industry.

What's in It for Team Members?

OKRs aren’t just about company success—they empower team members by creating a culture of clarity, innovation, and impact.

Provides Clear Direction

Everyone in the organization has a transparent view of company priorities and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. This fosters purpose-driven work and keeps teams engaged.

Encourages Innovation and Continuous Learning

OKRs challenge everyone to think big and push boundaries. They encourage risk-taking, experimentation, and continuous learning—all of which are critical for staying ahead in the automation industry.

Builds an Impact-Driven Work Culture

By linking individual and team goals to company-wide objectives, OKRs make every employee’s contribution meaningful and measurable, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.

Looking Ahead -  Staying Ahead of the Curve & Lessons Learned

As businesses evolve, so do their challenges. OKRs offer a structured yet flexible way to adapt, track progress, and drive sustainable growth. At Mindfields, our OKR journey is ongoing—we are continuously refining our approach to stay ahead in automation and AI.

By embracing OKRs, organizations can turn their vision into action, ensuring that teams remain focused, motivated, and ready for the future.

Thinking about adopting OKRs in your organization? Start today and experience the power of structured goal setting!