> but middle managers are clever enough to word OKRs in a way that makes them all think they’re getting what they want.

I chuckled at this one. Middle managers gonna middle manage.

I know a lot of this behavior is simply due to the position in which they are where senior managers and execs wont take no for an answer. But you have to make tough choices: If you don’t believe deep down that you can deliver, push back hard rather than playing games.