Workshop: SaaS Platforms North Star Part 3 - Input Metrics to North Star, Sync & Converge
Context
This issue This issue covers the second part of the GitLab North star brainstorming session.
Pre Read
- Re-Read North Star Playbook (link) Pages 47-54
- Footguns & Anti-Patterns
Guide
Guide:
Just like the North Star Metric, the Inputs should have both a name and a definition.
The following fill-in-the-blank template can help you determine the Inputs to your metric:
I believe that < NORTH STAR METRIC > is a function of < X, Y, and Z >. I also believe that there is some independence between X,Y, and Z (e.g. movements in one aren’t immediately felt in the others).
Mind-mapping is a helpful technique for identifying Inputs and metrics. Start by noting your North Star Metric, or even just a candidate for it, on a whiteboard. Then collaboratively note relationships and concepts in clusters.
Your mind map will undoubtedly start out somewhat messy
Then, refine the map by combining related concepts, eliminating extraneous information, and reinforcing the relationships between elements, like this: Spend time editing and clarifying the concepts in your mind map so that the metric is at the heart of it and the contributing factors are all neatly named and defined at a high level, like this:
Two basic tests for inputs:
Step 1
Input metrics - pair by group - Navigate to FigJam Board
Groups
@mbursi @dawsmith
@awthomas @o-lluch
@fzimmer @marin
@amyphillips @andrewn
@lbortins @ashiel
@cbalane @sdumesnil
@rnienaber @lmcandrew @kwanyangu
Action - Discuss the Input Metrics within your groups, create a thread in the slack channel, have a sync meeting or do what works for you. Add your Input Metrics suggestions to the figjam board. Add another post it with your reasoning
Step 2
Copy of input metrics to issue for async discussion - Navigate to Figjam board
The Facilitator @swiskow
will copy the input metrics stars to comments within this issue, we discuss them further in this issue
Action - Discuss and ask questions on each thread where further clarification. Add support for an input metric with a
Step 3
45 min sync on why, rationale, Q&A
The Facilitator @swiskow
will book a 30-45 minute Q&A on any pressing unanswered questions and clarifications on metrics. This discussion will be used to close and move on so artefacts, formats and actions can be discussed in part 4.
Action - Attend the session, Ask questions, Disagree and commit
Post Read
North Star Playbook (link) Pages73-78 + 86 (The North Star Framework and OKRs)