Mid-Quarter Review Workflow

Too many teams discover their OKRs are off track only at the end of the quarter — when it’s already too late to fix them. By then, blockers have compounded, resources have been wasted, and key results are out of reach.

A mid-quarter review changes that. It gives you a chance to pause, assess, and course-correct while there’s still time to make an impact. This workflow provides a repeatable framework for running reviews that are fast, insightful, and action-oriented.

Step 1 – Schedule the Review

Objective: Build the mid-quarter review into your OKR rhythm.

• Hold it around week 6 of a 12-week cycle.
  
  
• Run reviews at both company and team levels.
  
  
• Keep sessions focused: 60–90 minutes is usually enough.
  
  
• Treat it as a working session, not just a presentation.

Helpful resource:

• OKR Cycle Planner

Step 2 – Collect Progress Data

Objective: Gather accurate, up-to-date information before the review.

• Update all Key Results with the latest metrics.
  
  
• Ask owners to provide a confidence rating (High/Medium/Low).
  
  
• Capture notes on blockers, dependencies, or risks.
  
  
• Prepare a dashboard or slide deck for visibility.

Helpful resource:

• Weekly Report Starter Pack

Step 3 – Review Key Results One by One

Objective: Assess progress and identify problem areas.

• For each KR, review:
  
  
  • Current progress vs. target
    
    
  • Confidence rating
    
    
  • Risks or blockers
    
    
• Use a Red/Yellow/Green status system for clarity.
  
  
• Celebrate early wins and recognize contributors.

Helpful resource:

• OKR Metrics Toolkit

Step 4 – Identify Blockers & Root Causes

Objective: Surface what’s slowing progress and why.

• Ask each KR owner: What’s preventing further progress?
  
  
• Separate internal blockers (resourcing, prioritization) from external blockers (market, customer, vendor issues).
  
  
• Use techniques like the “5 Whys” to dig into root causes.
  
  
• Prioritize blockers that affect multiple teams.

Helpful resource:

• Cross-Team Alignment Workflow

Step 5 – Adjust Key Results if Needed

Objective: Refocus effort where it will matter most.

• If a KR is clearly unattainable, decide whether to adjust or replace it.
  
  
• Update targets if priorities have shifted significantly.
  
  
• Add stretch goals if progress is ahead of schedule.
  
  
• Document all changes transparently and communicate them company-wide.

Helpful resource:

• Stretch Goal Planning Workbook

Step 6 – Reallocate Resources

Objective: Give teams the support they need to deliver.

• Shift resources toward high-priority, at-risk KRs.
  
  
• Resolve cross-team conflicts or bottlenecks.
  
  
• Assign “blocker owners” responsible for clearing obstacles.
  
  
• Confirm next steps and deadlines before leaving the meeting.

Helpful resource:

• OKR Engagement Checklist

Step 7 – Share Outcomes & Next Steps

Objective: Keep everyone aligned after the review.

• Send a written recap with:
  
  
  • Updated OKRs
    
    
  • Revised targets or ownership changes
    
    
  • Top blockers and resolutions
    
    
  • Key decisions made
    
    
• Publish updates in your OKR tracking tool or shared workspace.

Helpful resources:

• Board-Ready OKR Reporting Template
  
  
• Investor Update Template Pack

Pro Tips for Mid-Quarter Reviews

• Be transparent — adjusting a KR is not failure, it’s focus.
  
  
• Focus 80% of the discussion on problem-solving, not reporting.
  
  
• Encourage honesty — Red status should not be punished.
  
  
• Treat the review as a team effort, not just leadership oversight.

The Bottom Line

Mid-quarter reviews are the key to agile OKR execution. By reviewing progress, addressing blockers, and adjusting key results, you keep goals realistic, teams motivated, and outcomes achievable — even when the unexpected happens.

3 Resources you’ll love:

• How to Adjust OKRs When Priorities Change
• How to Run OKR Meetings That Don’t Waste Time
• How to Spot an OKR That’s Off-Track (Before It’s Too Late)