Define metrics that drive decisions, not dashboards that collect dust. Every metric must answer: "If this number changes, what will we do differently?" If nothing changes, it's a vanity metric.
One metric that captures the core value your product delivers to customers. Not revenue (that's an output). Not signups (that's vanity). The North Star reflects the moment customers get value.
Test: If this metric goes up, does the company sustainably grow? If yes, it's your North Star.
Define product metrics with a North Star, input/output tree, and counter-metrics. Use when asked to define metrics, set up measurement, choose KPIs, pick a north star metric, or build a metrics framework. Prevents vanity metrics and gaming. Source: assimovt/productskills.