From OKRs to OHLs – A New Approach with Radhika Dutt

Welcome to the Product Masterclass Podcast! In this episode, Sebastian Borggrewe sits down with Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, to challenge traditional goal-setting frameworks like OKRs and introduce a new approach: OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings). They explore how metrics can be corrupted by targets, the pitfalls of sandbagging, and why rigid OKRs often constrain teams to outdated goals.

Radhika shares insights from her research and experience, advocating for a shift towards experimentation, collaborative problem-solving, and understanding the story behind the numbers. This conversation will help product managers rethink how they set goals and measure success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🚩 Why traditional OKRs can lead to corrupted metrics

📊 The difference between metrics vs. targets and why it matters

🔄 How OHLs promote experimentation and problem-solving

🛠️ Why leaders should define problem statements, not just set targets

🎯 How qualitative insights are just as important as numbers

💡 How to implement OHLs at a grassroots level within your organization

Chapters

00:02- Introduction & How Radhika and Sebastian Met

02:26 - Radhika’s New Book: The Problem with OKRs

06:59 - Why OKRs Fail: Sandbagging, Psychology & The Spotify Model

11:21 - Metrics vs. Goals: Why Goal-Setting Can Backfire

18:37 - The Power of Storytelling & Experimentation Over Targets

23:23 - Introducing OHLs: A Better Approach to Metrics

28:08 - How to Manage Expectations Without OKRs

38:20 - Implementing OHLs: Where to Start

45:08 - Moving Beyond OKRs: A New Way of Thinking

47:37 - Just Product Conference & Radhika’s Workshop

50:33 - Q&A: Strategy, Measurement & Adoption of OHLs

56:30 - Closing & How to Get Involved

Links & Resources

Radical Product Thinking by Radhika Dutt

Product Masterclass – Take Your Product Skills to the Next Level

Connect With Us

Sebastian Borggrewe on LinkedIn

Radhika Dutt on LinkedIn

Follow Product Masterclass on LinkedIn

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