Metrics & KPIs – The Hidden Engine of Execution

Published On - March 21, 2021

Ted Bonel 3. EXECUTION

Everyone loves to talk about vision and goals.
Far fewer talk about metrics — yet they’re the quiet engine that turns strategy into results.

Most companies are great at setting targets for the quarter.
But few track the right metrics daily or weekly — the ones that truly predict whether those targets will be hit.

Those are your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) — and they’re the difference between teams that execute and teams that just stay busy.

  1. KPI’s Improve Decision-Making

You can’t steer what you can’t see.

Many leadership teams make poor decisions not because they lack talent — but because they lack accurate, timely data.

When you identify leading indicators and review them daily or weekly, you can correct course fast — before the numbers become a problem.

  1. KPI’s Shape Behaviour

There’s an old saying:

“Tell me how you’ll measure me, and I’ll show you how I’ll behave.”

KPIs direct focus and effort.
Set the wrong measures, and you’ll get the wrong behaviours.
Set the right ones — ideally with counterbalance metrics that prevent gaming the system — and you’ll get aligned action.

  1. KPI’s Focus Attention

What gets measured gets managed.

Every employee faces dozens of competing priorities.
When they know the one or two numbers that define success in their role, they focus on what matters most — and execution speeds up.

  1. KPI’s Make Performance Visible

You can only manage what you measure.
Make performance visible — not hidden in spreadsheets.

Use visual management: scoreboards, dashboards, and wall charts where everyone can see progress in real time.
When people can see the score, they can change the game.

  1. KPI’s Bring Objectivity to Performance

Data removes bias.
Performance isn’t about effort or busyness — it’s about outcomes.
Manage by fact, not feeling.

A good KPI dashboard tells the truth quickly.
The best teams review it together, weekly, without ego or excuses — just learning and accountability.

  1. Use the Traffic Light System

Simple works. Visual dashboards with colour-coded status make performance instantly clear:

🟢 Green – On target. Celebrate it!
🟡 Yellow – Needs attention. What’s the plan to improve?
🔴 Red – Below acceptable. Address it this week, with clear corrective actions.

These visual cues keep everyone honest, aligned, and focused.

Final Thought: Discipline Makes Data Powerful

Metrics are not the goal — they’re the feedback loop that powers disciplined execution.

When you combine visible KPIs, regular huddles, and a culture of accountability, you create what Jim Collins called “the 20 Mile March” — consistent progress, no matter the conditions.

That’s what separates teams that wish from those that win.

Need help building the right KPI dashboard for your business?

To Scale Up your business! Take our Scaling Up/Four Decisions Needs Assessment to discover how your business measures against other Scaled Up companies. We’ll contact you.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Need help building the right KPI dashboard for your business?

Let’s explore how I can help your team achieve its objectives. Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

 

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops.

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