KPIs: Measure What Drives Growth
In every startup, progress can feel fast, chaotic, and hard to quantify. You might have a general sense of how things are going, but without clear metrics, your team ends up relying on gut instinct instead of real performance data. That is why KPIs are essential. They help you measure the inputs and outcomes that actually drive growth.
What Are KPIs?
KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are the specific metrics that define success for your business. They allow you to track performance in a measurable, consistent way so you can understand what is working, what is not, and where to focus next.
From revenue and retention to product usage and sales activity, KPIs turn your vision into measurable results.
Why KPIs Matter
High-performing teams rely on clarity, not assumptions. KPIs give you that clarity.
With the right KPIs in place, you can:
- See performance clearly. Know exactly where you stand at any moment.
- Predict future outcomes. Track leading indicators that signal what comes next.
- Identify problems early. Spot drops or spikes before they impact results.
- Align your team. Everyone knows what success looks like and how it is measured.
- Drive accountability. Owners for each metric take responsibility for outcomes.
KPIs give your company a common scoreboard that keeps everyone focused on what truly matters.
How to Use KPIs in Wave
In Wave, KPIs are seamlessly integrated into your operating system. You can activate KPIs by choosing a connected integration, selecting a metric, and setting a goal for your team. Wave pulls in data automatically each month and updates your KPI visuals without manual effort.
KPIs live inside Reports, Scorecards, and your My OS dashboard, keeping your most important metrics front and center. Because KPIs connect with your existing workflows, you can review them during Meetings, track their influence on Rocks, and monitor progress without switching tools.
Best Practices for Setting KPIs
To make the most of your KPIs:
- Choose the right metrics. Pick KPIs that drive your goals, not ones that simply look impressive.
- Focus on leading indicators. Measure the actions that predict future results.
- Define clear targets. Set realistic but challenging goals for each KPI.
- Assign ownership. Every KPI should have one accountable owner.
- Review regularly. Check KPIs in Meetings or Reports to stay aligned and adjust fast.
Turning Chaos into Clarity
KPIs help your team move from opinion to evidence. They bring measurable insight to your operating rhythm and help you understand whether your actions are creating real results.
With Wave, KPIs become a powerful part of your growth system. They help you plan smarter, execute with confidence, and stay aligned as you scale.
Measure what matters. Drive performance. Build a better company.
