How to Link Projects to OKRs Using Strategic Alignment?

Category: OKRs

Profit.co provides an option to link your projects to strategic objectives by aligning them with OKRs through the Strategic Alignment tab. 

What is strategic alignment in PPM?

Strategic alignment is the process of connecting projects to organizational objectives and key results, creating a clear relationship between execution and strategy.

Why is linking projects to OKRs important?

Strategic alignment between projects and OKRs ensures that execution drives strategic results. Here's why this feature matters:

  • Strategic Contribution: Aligning projects with OKRs ensures every project contributes to your organization's top priorities and strategic goals.
  • Progress Visibility: Track how project execution directly influences key results and strategic progress in real-time.
  • Resource Justification: Demonstrate clear connection between project investments and strategic outcomes

How do I link projects to OKRs?

Follow these steps to create strategic alignment:

Step 1

  • Navigate to Portfolios and Projects from the left navigation panel
  • Click on the project you want to link to OKRs
  • The project overview page will open

Step 2

  • Switch to the Strategic Alignment tab
  • This tab shows current OKR alignments and alignment options
  • Click on the Align OKRs option, and click on the Align OKRs option.

Step 3

  • Browse or search for the relevant objective.
  • Select the objective that this project supports
  • Click on the Update button
  • The project is now linked to the selected OKR
  • The alignment appears in the Strategic Alignment tab

What happens after linking projects to OKRs?

On the Project:

  • Strategic Alignment tab shows linked OKR(s)
  • Project context includes strategic objective
  • Project details reference aligned key results
  • Clear strategic purpose displayed

On the OKR:

  • OKR shows linked projects
  • Progress influenced by project completion
  • Portfolio view includes aligned projects
  • Strategic progress visibility enhanced

For Reporting:

  • Dashboards show project-to-OKR connections
  • Reports include strategic alignment data
  • Portfolio views filtered by OKR alignment
  • Executive views show strategy execution

Best Practices for Strategic Alignment

To maximize the effectiveness of project-to-OKR linking:

  • Align During Project Planning: Link projects to OKRs during project initiation, not as an afterthought,ensures strategic intent from the start and better resource allocation decisions.
  • Review Alignment Quarterly: Reassess project-to-OKR connections each quarter when OKRs are reviewed, ensuring continued relevance and allows for strategic pivots as priorities evolve.
  • Limit Alignments to Relevant OKRs: Link projects only to OKRs they genuinely support,avoid the temptation to link to every objective, which dilutes strategic focus and clarity.

Related Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Should I align projects to Objectives or Key Results?

Typically, you align to Objectives, which represent the strategic goal. The system may show the Objective's Key Results for context, helping you understand how the project contributes.

Q2. How many OKRs should I link to each project?

Link to all truly relevant OKRs, typically 1-3. More than 3 may indicate the project is too broad or alignment is too loose. Focus on quality over quantity of alignments.

Q3. Can I align a project to someone else's OKR?

Yes, if you have visibility to the OKR and your project genuinely supports it. This is common for projects that support cross-functional or company-wide objectives.

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