Direct Answer
Priorities and Objectives are two separate goal-tracking features in 15Five. Priorities are short-term tasks tied to the Check-in cadence. Objectives are long-term goals built on the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework.
Key Rules
- Priorities reset with each Check-in cycle and appear at the top of a direct report's Check-in.
- Objectives span a quarter or longer and support company-wide, department, individual, and self-development goal levels.
- Objectives follow the OKR methodology: each Objective contains Key Results that measure progress toward the goal.
- Priorities are employee-driven to-do lists; Objectives are structured goal frameworks with defined owners.
- A single Objective has one owner, but individual Key Results within it can be owned by different people.
When to Use Each
| Use | Feature |
|---|---|
| Tracking tasks within a Check-in cycle | Priorities |
| Setting quarterly or annual goals | Objectives |
| Aligning team work to company initiatives | Objectives |
| Giving context for weekly 1-on-1s | Priorities |
| Tracking skill development goals | Objectives (self-development type) |
Common Misunderstanding
Priorities are not a simplified version of Objectives. They are a distinct feature with a different cadence and purpose — using one does not replace the other.
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