The difference between tracking KPIs and managing performance

What to look for

1. Every KPI has one accountable owner who can influence the result.
2. The definition, source, target, and review frequency are explicit.
3. Variances lead to root-cause discussion rather than explanation or blame.
4. Corrective actions include an owner, due date, and expected measurable effect.
5. The team follows the number long enough to determine whether the action worked.

The leadership decision

The scorecard is not the management system. It is the signal. The management system is what leaders do together after the signal appears.