north star metric

Definition

The single metric that best captures the core value a company delivers to customers, used to guide all strategic decisions. Your company's navigation system, assuming it's not leading you straight into an iceberg.

Example Usage

Our north star metric is weekly active users because it reflects both growth and engagement.

Origin

Product management and growth hacking terminology popularized by Silicon Valley startups in the 2010s

Fun Fact

Despite being called a 'north star' metric, many companies change theirs every quarter, making it more of a 'wandering constellation' metric.

Source: Product management and startup growth terminology

Related Terms

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linchpin

The one person or thing holding an entire operation together, originally a pin that kept wagon wheels from falling off. In modern business, it's whoever everyone's terrified will quit because they're the only one who understands the legacy system. Also the go-to metaphor for making someone feel indispensable right before denying their raise.

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stretch goal

An ambitious target unlikely to be achieved, set by managers who won't face consequences for the inevitable failure but will claim credit if it somehow succeeds.

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Opex vs. Capex

Operating expenses versus capital expenses—the difference between renting and owning, or in corporate speak, between 'this quarter's problem' and 'future quarters' problem.' The eternal accounting debate.

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change fatigue

The exhausted apathy employees develop after the seventh reorganization this year, rendering them immune to urgent transformation initiatives. The organizational equivalent of 'boy who cried wolf' syndrome.

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freelancer

A self-employed professional who trades the stability of a regular paycheck for the thrilling uncertainty of hustling for clients while working in pajamas. Freelancers enjoy the freedom to choose their projects and set their own hours, which usually means working twice as many hours for half the pay until they build a solid client base. The modern embodiment of "be your own boss" energy and perpetual invoicing anxiety.

💼 Corporate / Business

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Thought leader

Someone who influences others through their ideas and expertise, or more commonly, someone with a LinkedIn account and opinions. The self-appointed title of everyone with a blog.

💼 Corporate / Business

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