Quarterly Review
The Quarterly Review is a structured meeting at the end of an OKR cycle where teams present their results, score Key Results, and derive insights for the next cycle.
The Quarterly Review forms the formal conclusion of an OKR cycle. Unlike the retrospective, which focuses on the process, the review focuses on content results: Which Key Results were achieved, which weren't, and why?
A typical Quarterly Review consists of three phases: The results presentation, where each team shares their OKR progress; the scoring, where Key Results are graded; and the derivation, where insights for the next cycle are captured.
Successful Quarterly Reviews create a culture of transparency and learning. The goal is not to punish teams for missed targets, but to learn from the results and formulate better OKRs for the next quarter.
Related Terms
OKR Cycle
The OKR Cycle is the recurring time period – typically one quarter – during which OKRs are planned, tracked, evaluated, and reflected upon. It creates a rhythm of focus and learning that connects strategic goals with daily work.
OKR Retrospective
An OKR Retrospective is a structured reflection session at the end of each OKR cycle where teams analyze what worked in the OKR process, what didn't, and what concrete improvements should be implemented for the next cycle.
OKR Scoring
OKR Scoring is the structured process of evaluating Key Result achievement at the end of an OKR cycle. Typically a 0.0 to 1.0 scale is used, where a score of 0.7 (70%) is considered successful for stretch goals.
Check-in
An OKR check-in is a brief, structured update – typically weekly – where team members report progress on their Key Results, identify blockers, and adjust confidence levels for goal achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Quarterly Review and a Retrospective?
The Quarterly Review focuses on the content results of OKRs: What was achieved? The Retrospective examines the process: What went well, what can we improve? Both meetings typically take place at the end of a cycle.
How long should a Quarterly Review last?
For a single team, about 30-60 minutes. For company-wide reviews where all teams present, plan for 2-4 hours depending on organization size.
Who participates in the Quarterly Review?
Ideally, all team members who worked on the OKRs, plus stakeholders and leaders. Transparency is a core OKR value, so reviews should be as open as possible.
How do I score Key Results in the Quarterly Review?
Key Results are typically scored on a scale from 0.0 to 1.0. A score of 0.7 is considered good for ambitious (stretch) OKRs. For committed OKRs, full achievement (1.0) is expected.