north-star-metric
Define a North Star Metric and 3-5 supporting input metrics that form a metrics constellation. Classify the business game (Attention, Transaction, Productivity) and validate against 7 criteria for an effective North Star. Use when choosing a North Star Metric, setting up a metrics framework, learning about the North Star Framework, or deciding what to measure.
Security Assessment
About north-star-metric
The north-star-metric skill helps teams define a North Star Metric (NSM) and 3-5 supporting input metrics that together form a metrics constellation. It solves the problem of choosing a single, customer-centric KPI that reflects the value customers get from a product and serves as a leading indicator of long-term business success, avoiding common confusions. The docs clarify that an NSM is not multiple metrics, not a revenue or LTV metric, not an OKR, and not a strategy, though choosing the right NSM is itself a strategic choice. It is used when defining a key metric framework, setting up a metrics tracking system, or evaluating North Star candidates.
The skill's method starts by classifying the business into one of three games: the Attention Game (how much time customers spend, e.g. Facebook, Spotify, TikTok), the Transaction Game (how many transactions occur, e.g. Amazon, Uber, Airbnb), or the Productivity Game (how efficiently someone completes their work, e.g. Canva, Dropbox, Notion). Given business context via $ARGUMENTS, it then identifies a North Star candidate that meets all seven criteria for effectiveness: Easy to Understand, Customer-Centric, Sustainable Value, Vision Alignment, Quantitative, Actionable, and Leading Indicator. Finally it defines 3-5 input metrics (leading indicators) that most directly influence the NSM, each of which should be easier to move in the short term, directly contribute to the North Star outcome, and help focus optimization efforts.
This skill targets product managers, growth teams, and founders deciding what to measure and optimize. For best results the docs recommend providing details on the business and revenue model, the company vision and long-term goals, currently tracked metrics, key customer segments and use cases, and the primary value delivered to customers. It links to a free North Star Framework 101 PDF and further reading on AARRR pirate metrics, the Google HEART framework, and a list of product metrics. The skill is a prompt-driven strategist rather than an automated tool.
FAQ
What are the three business games used to classify a company?
The Attention Game (how much time customers spend, e.g. Facebook, Spotify, TikTok), the Transaction Game (how many transactions occur, e.g. Amazon, Uber, Airbnb), and the Productivity Game (how efficiently someone completes work, e.g. Canva, Dropbox, Notion).
What are the seven criteria for an effective North Star Metric?
Easy to Understand, Customer-Centric, Sustainable Value, Vision Alignment, Quantitative, Actionable, and Leading Indicator.
What is a North Star Metric NOT?
It is not multiple metrics, not a revenue or LTV metric (it must be customer-centric), not an OKR (a goal-setting technique), and not a strategy, though choosing the right NSM is a strategic choice.
What are input metrics?
The skill defines 3-5 input metrics (leading indicators) that most directly influence the North Star. Each should be easier to move in the short term, directly contribute to the North Star outcome, and help identify where to focus optimization.
What information should I provide for the best result?
Details about your business and revenue model, company vision, mission or long-term goals, current metrics you track, key customer segments and use cases, and the primary value you deliver to customers.
Install north-star-metric
Quick Setup:
- Copy the skill folder to
.claude/skills/ - Claude will automatically detect and use the skill
Repository
phuryn/pm-skills