Strategic objectives are a set of goals that bridge the gap between the inspiring yet concise product vision and the detailed product roadmap. They define the key milestones and achievements needed to bring the vision to life. A vision alone, without carefully crafted, communicated, and agreed-upon strategic objectives, cannot effectively guide the team’s work.
Strategic objectives can encompass various areas: product releases, growth in specific metrics, team improvement targets, and meeting specific milestones, among others. Crucially, they must be measurable and/or verifiable within a defined timeframe. This allows us to track progress and identify when each objective is achieved.
Every product capability and team activity should be aligned with one or more strategic objectives. This ensures everything contributes to the overall vision and avoids wasteful efforts.
Characteristics of a Good Strategic Objectives:
- Aligned with: Organizational, portfolio, and program vision and objectives
- Inspired by: Product vision
- Concise: Maximum 5-7 items
- Time-bound: Within the vision timeframe (ideally less than 2 years)
- Measurable and/or verifiable
- Dynamic: Regularly reviewed and updated (at least quarterly)
Some examples
- Pass GDS Alpha assessment (public sector website) within the defined Alpha period: Verifiable and achievable within a set timeframe.
- Complete the first Private Beta release in six months: Achievable within a specific time frame.
- Improve customer retention by X% within the current financial year: Measurable and time-bound.
