Check-ins, Initiatives and Blockers

Check-Ins

Check-ins are periodic updates, typically monthly, by an individual employee to his or her objectives and key results (OKRs). Check-ins are akin to intermittent milestones that provide a sense of accomplishment.

Check-ins are employee-to-manager updates that provide early warnings to the manager so that unpleasant surprises are avoided.

Check-ins help managers to clarify expectations, allocate tasks, provide necessary resources and remove any obstacles towards achieving organisational objectives.

A check-in typically involves updating the percentage completion of an OKR and sharing subjective text on initiatives and blockers.

Initiatives

Initiatives are the proactive actions taken by the individual employee for achieving progress or overcoming obstacles towards their objectives and key results.

Initiatives help managers to assess if an individual employee is moving in the right direction and intervene if necessary.

Blockers

Blockers are the events (situational or personal) that impede progress towards goals.

Situational factors are workplace related, for example, lack of resources.

Blockers help managers to avoid unpleasant surprises and make necessary interventions to remove the roadblocks.