Burn the OKRs, Build the Vision End metric theater with Radhika Dutt

Burn the OKRs, Build the Vision End metric theater with Radhika Dutt

From Leading Human by Chad Prevost

August 25, 2025 · 33 min · Season 1 · Episode 91

About this episode

Radhika Dutt discusses the limitations of traditional goal-setting and introduces an alternative framework for performance management.

In this episode of Leading Human, host Chad interviews Radhika Dutt, author of 'Radical Product Thinking' and the forthcoming book 'Escaping the Performance Trap.' Dutt challenges the conventional wisdom of goal-setting in performance management, arguing that tools like OKRs and KPIs often backfire. Instead, she introduces an alternative framework focused on detailed vision statements, puzzle setting, and puzzle solving, which encourages continuous learning and adaptation. The conversation explores the history of goal-setting, its limitations in complex environments, and practical steps for implementing Dutt's approach. Author of Radical Product Thinking , a speaker and entrepreneur, Radhika Dutt has participated in 5 acquisitions, 2 of which were companies she founded. She's an advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She's also an MIT grad with SB and M.Eng in EECS, and speaks nine languages. 01:12 Challenging Traditional Management 03:38 The History and Problems with Goal Setting 07:25 Alternative Approaches to Alignment 14:56 Implementing Puzzle Setting and Solving 20:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change 26:23 Lightning Round and Conclusion Radhika's…

People in this episode

Host: Chad Prevost

Guest: Radhika Dutt

Topics covered

  • goal-setting
  • performance management
  • alternative frameworks
  • continuous learning
  • adaptation
  • puzzle setting
  • puzzle solving

Keywords

  • OKRs
  • KPIs
  • performance trap
  • management
  • vision statements
  • adaptation
  • goal-setting history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Monetary Authority of Singapore

Books & works: Radical Product Thinking, Escaping the Performance Trap

Places: MIT

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