Executive Dashboard KPI Selection and Validation (Onboarding)

Executive Dashboard KPI Selection and Validation (Onboarding)

1. 01

   Inventory the client's existing reporting assets and data sources

   Catalog current spreadsheets, BI tools, and SaaS platforms to identify which metrics are already tracked and where gaps exist. This baseline prevents redundant builds and surfaces quick wins.

2. 02

   Interview each executive stakeholder to define decision-ready metrics

   Ask what decisions they make weekly or monthly, then map each decision to a specific KPI. Avoid vanity metrics that don't influence action.

3. 03

   Validate data availability and quality for each proposed KPI

   Confirm the underlying data can be accessed, refreshed, and is accurate. Flag any metric that requires manual workarounds or has known integrity issues.

4. 04

   Align KPI definitions with the client's strategic goals and planning cadence

   Cross-reference the selected metrics against the client's stated objectives and any strategy execution platform they use, such as AchieveIt, to ensure the dashboard reflects what leadership actually tracks.

5. 05

   Design a dashboard hierarchy that prioritizes action over information

   Place the top 5-7 KPIs on the primary view, with drill-downs for supporting detail. Each metric should have a clear owner and a stated target or threshold.

6. 06

   Prototype the dashboard with sample data and run a stakeholder review

   Present a clickable mockup to executives and gather feedback on clarity, relevance, and layout. Iterate before investing in full data integration.

7. 07

   Document data lineage, refresh frequency, and governance rules

   Create a one-page spec that lists each KPI's source, calculation, and responsible party. This prevents scope creep and supports future maintenance.