Stretch Goal Adjustment Workflow

Stretch goals are powerful — they push teams to aim higher and achieve more. But unmanaged, they can backfire: set too high, they demotivate; set too low, they fail to inspire. The challenge is knowing when and how to adjust OKRs so ambition stays alive without breaking focus.

This workflow provides a structured approach for reviewing, raising, and recalibrating stretch goals during an OKR cycle.

Step 1 – Monitor Progress Regularly

Objective: Spot when teams are moving faster than expected.

• Use weekly check-ins to track KR progress.
  
  
• Look for Key Results hitting 70–80% completion far ahead of schedule.
  
  
• Ask owners about workload — is progress sustainable?
  
  
• Confirm results are high-quality, not inflated.

Helpful resource:

• Weekly Check-in Workflow

Step 2 – Assess the Case for Adjustment

Objective: Decide whether raising the target is necessary.

• Evaluate whether the KR was under-scoped from the start.
  
  
• Check if external factors (e.g., faster customer adoption) changed the landscape.
  
  
• Confirm raising the bar aligns with company priorities.
  
  
• Involve leadership to validate the adjustment.

Helpful resource:

• SMART OKRs Template Pack
  
  
• OKR Planning Template Pack

Step 3 – Define the New Stretch Target

Objective: Adjust the KR to maintain ambition without overloading.

• Increase the target by 15–30%, not 2x or 3x.
  
  
• Keep it challenging but still achievable with extra effort.
  
  
• Write the new target in measurable terms.
  
  
• Update the KR status in dashboards and tracking tools.

Helpful resources:

• Key Result Writing Cheatsheet
  
  
• OKR Metrics Toolkit

Step 4 – Communicate the Change

Objective: Ensure transparency and motivation.

• Announce the new stretch target in team meetings.
  
  
• Frame it as a recognition of great progress, not a penalty.
  
  
• Clarify whether bonuses or recognition will adjust accordingly.
  
  
• Reinforce how the new stretch goal ties back to bigger company objectives.

Helpful resource:

• OKR Visibility Playbook
  
  
• OKR Engagement Checklist

Step 5 – Provide Support for the Higher Target

Objective: Enable teams to reach the new goal.

• Reallocate resources if workload increases significantly.
  
  
• Assign additional contributors to support the KR owner.
  
  
• Remove blockers faster to maintain momentum.
  
  
• Set mid-cycle syncs to monitor stretch goal progress.
  

Helpful resources:

• OKR Accountability Starter Kit
  
  
• Cross-Team Alignment Workflow

Step 6 – Capture Learnings at Cycle End

Objective: Improve stretch goal setting in future cycles.

• Discuss in retrospectives whether the adjustment motivated or stressed the team.
  
  
• Document insights: Was the initial target too conservative?
  
  
• Adjust goal-setting guidelines for the next planning cycle.
  
  
• Celebrate teams that exceeded even the new stretch target.

Helpful resources:

• Retrospective Workflow
  
  
• OKR Best Practice Self-Audit Toolkit

Pro Tips for Managing Stretch Goals

• Don’t adjust every KR — only the ones clearly outpaced.
  
  
• Frame adjustments as recognition of success, not “moving the goalposts.”
  
  
• Use adjustments to inspire teams, not burn them out.
  
  
• Over multiple cycles, refine your stretch-setting instincts.

The Bottom Line

Stretch goals only work when they inspire, not discourage. By monitoring progress, raising targets thoughtfully, and providing support, you can keep ambition alive while ensuring teams feel challenged — not crushed.

3 Resources you’ll love:

• OKR Planning: Set Goals That Drive Results
• OKRs vs Smart Goals: Which Drives Real Progress?
• OKR Paradox: How More Goals Can Lead to Less Focus