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:

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: