Can OKRs be dropped?

OKRs provide a unique opportunity to be extremely focussed, innovative and creative, for achieving breakthroughs to win in the marketplace.

OKRs are tracked several times during the cycle so that surprises can be avoided.

During such tracking it is possible that some OKRs have outlived their utility although this applies more to KRs than Objectives. Thoughtfully set objectives rarely implode within a quarter or a half-year.

When a OKR is consistently in red zone i.e. falling behind, it can be dropped. However, before dropping any OKRs, the team should reflect as to what they could not foresee at the time of planning the OKRs and how they can apply this learning in the future.

Also, the team should communicate to everyone whose own OKRs are depending on it.