The Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce
When the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce commenced the implementation of the OKR model during autumn 2022, the organization had just formulated a fresh strategy alongside its entire workforce. The Chamber’s prevailing implementation culture provided a distinct advantage in terms of executing the strategy, backed by the guidance of Henri Sora.
Henri Sora instilled a feeling of reassurance in the OKR rollout
When the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, which facilitates business growth in numerous ways, sought to execute its own strategy, it found the ideal method and sparring partner close at hand. The Chamber of Commerce, as the publisher of Henri Sora‘s and Juuso Hämäläinen‘s book “Implementing OKRs: The Practitioner’s Guide for Executives, Managers and Team Leaders” received the necessary credibility required by both the method and Sora within an 80-person expert organization. Additionally, Sora was selected to aid the Chamber of Commerce in carrying out the OKR model for two reasons.
“Henri quickly grasped the requirements of our organization, and we developed a shared comprehension of our actions and Henri’s role within them.” Furthermore, as a consultant, he is free from system dependence. We opted for Microsoft Viva Goals as our strategy tool, which was unfamiliar to Henri beforehand. “He was interested in the tool and was open to give it a go with OKRs,” Tommo Koivusalo, Head of the Vantaa branch of the Chamber of Commerce stated.
He was the prime mover behind the implementation of the OKR model. The Chamber of Commerce implemented the OKR model after considering a comprehensive overview of the process. Sora presented the various rollout steps, and they discussed implementing them within the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce was in an advantageous position to undertake the OKR strategy work. It had recently formulated its own strategy and had a robust culture of productivity, as well as skilled experts dedicated to the objectives.
Sora collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce as a sparring partner, working closely with the management team and elected OCR facilitators, in addition to providing OCR training to the entire staff.
“Henri poses insightful questions with a playful spark in his eye, despite the things being tricky”
The OKR model as a new practice and management model
After six months of collaboration, the Chamber of Commerce is now carrying out the work of the OKR autonomously. The OKR model provides clarity to the overall strategy work of the organization.
“The OKR model has provided us with a new practice and management model, and we express our gratitude to Henri for that.” “It is a significant achievement to bring our strategy to fruition. The utilization of the OKR model will ensure we incorporate the strategy into all our activities during the year, making next year’s action plan more accessible to prepare. This tool guarantees the recollection of all strategic elements, even those we may intentionally leave untouched,” Pakarinen states.