As a founder, you might be using project management tools like Asana, Notion, or Linear to keep your team organized and track day-to-day tasks.
But as your startup grows, you may be asking yourself:
Do I really need separate OKR software, or can I just track everything in my project management tool?
The answer? While both OKR software and project management tools are essential, they serve different purposes.
By understanding where each tool fits, you can ensure your team stays aligned and focused on what matters most.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between OKR software and project management tools and explain how they complement each other.
What's the Difference Between OKR Software and Project Management Tools?
OKR software is designed specifically for setting, tracking, and aligning goals.
Unlike project management tools, OKR software focuses on the strategic framework of defining and measuring goals. With OKR software, you can break down your company-wide objectives into actionable key results that are measurable and trackable.
On the other hand, project management tools like Asana, Notion, or Linear focus on managing tasks, workflows, and projects.
These tools are perfect for managing the granular details, assigning tasks to team members, setting deadlines, and tracking progress.
However, they don’t provide the strategic alignment or progress tracking that OKR software offers. Project management tools are great for managing the day-to-day work, but they don’t necessarily ensure that everyone is aligned with your company’s larger goals.
In essence, OKR software helps align the team toward long-term objectives, while project management tools handle the tactical work needed to achieve those objectives.
If you're wondering whether to use OKR software or project management tools for your startup, here’s a quick comparison. We’ll go into more detail below the table:
Now that we understand the differences, let’s dive into how OKR software and project management tools work best together in your startup.
Where Should You Track What?
Now that we understand the differences, let's dive into how to use OKR software and project management tools together in your startup.
1. Track Strategic Goals in OKR Software
OKRs software should be your go-to solution for tracking your company’s high-level objectives. These are the big goals that shape the direction of your startup.
For example, if your objective is to increase revenue by 20% or launch a new product, you can define your key results in OKR software.
Here, you can measure progress in real-time, ensuring your team stays aligned with your strategic vision. OKR software allows you to track how each individual and team is contributing to your larger objectives, ensuring that everyone is pulling in the same direction.
2. Track Tasks and Projects in Project Management Tools
While OKR software is focused on high-level goals, project management tools should be used to manage the day-to-day tasks that help achieve those goals.
For example, if your OKR is to increase revenue, the individual tasks you track in Asana or Linear could include launching a marketing campaign, creating a sales presentation, or designing new product features.
These tools allow you to assign specific tasks, set deadlines, and track progress on each of them. You’ll have visibility into what’s being worked on, who’s responsible, and when things are due.
3. Use OKR Software for Strategic Alignment, Project Management Tools for Task Execution
The most effective way to use both OKR software and project management tools is by integrating them.
OKR software helps align your company’s strategic objectives, while your project management tools are where the execution happens.
By tracking your OKRs in OKR software and your project tasks in Asana, you’ll have a clear view of how the work being done in your project management tool is contributing to your broader goals.
This alignment ensures that the work you’re doing today is setting you up for long-term success.
Top OKR Software and Project Management Tools
To make your life easier, here are 3 OKR software options and 3 project management tools that can help you achieve your goals:
Top OKR Software
- OKRs Tool – Designed specifically for startups, OKRs Tool helps you align goals, track progress, and ensure your team is focused on what matters most. It provides AI-driven OKR creation, real-time tracking, and easy team collaboration.
- Perdoo – Great for small to medium-sized teams, Perdoo offers features like a strategy map, performance reviews, and integration with KPIs. It’s ideal for businesses that need both OKRs and performance management tools.
- Weekdone – Weekdone focuses on helping teams stay aligned with regular check-ins and progress tracking. It’s great for startups that need simplicity and quick setup.
Top Project Management Tools
- Asana – Asana is great for managing tasks, tracking milestones, and setting up workflows. It’s ideal for startups that need to break down their goals into specific action items.
- Notion – Notion is an all-in-one workspace where you can manage tasks, collaborate on projects, and keep documentation in one place. It’s perfect for teams that need flexibility.
- Linear – Linear is designed for software teams and startups that need to track issues, sprints, and projects with precision. It integrates well with tools like GitHub and Slack.
Conclusion
Project management tools and OKR software serve different purposes, but both are crucial for startup success.
OKRs software helps align your team’s goals with your broader objectives, while project management tools help you execute the tasks that drive those goals.
By using both, you can ensure that your team remains aligned, focused, and organized, helping you move your startup forward with purpose and clarity.
Ready to align your startup’s goals and track your progress? Try OKRs Tool today.
