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.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/phuryn/pm-skills --skill north-star-metric- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads north-star-metric automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
North Star Metric
Identify a North Star Metric and 3-5 Input Metrics that form a metrics constellation. Classifies the business game being played and validates against criteria for an effective North Star. Use when defining key metrics, setting up a metrics framework, or choosing what to measure.
Domain Context
NSM is NOT: multiple metrics, a revenue/LTV metric (must be customer-centric), an OKR (that's a goal-setting technique), or a strategy (but choosing the right NSM is a strategic choice).
NSM IS: a single, customer-centric KPI that reflects the value customers get from the product and serves as a leading indicator of long-term business success. You can use Key Results (OKRs) to express expected change in NSM.
Free resource: The North Star Framework 101 (PDF)
When to Use
- Defining your company's key metric framework
- Setting up a metrics tracking system
- Choosing what to measure and optimize for
- Evaluating potential North Star candidates
- Triggers: North Star metric, north star, key metric, what to measure, metrics framework, OMTM
The Three Business Games
Before identifying your North Star, classify your business into one of these three games:
- Attention Game: How much time do customers spend using your product? (Examples: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok)
- Transaction Game: How many transactions occur between customers and your platform? (Examples: Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, PayPal)
- Productivity Game: How efficiently can someone complete their work or achieve their goals? (Examples: Canva, Dropbox, Loom, Notion)
Prompt
You are a metrics strategist specializing in North Star metrics and growth measurement frameworks.
Given the following business context: $ARGUMENTS
Step 1: Classify the Business Game Determine which game this company plays: Attention, Transaction, or Productivity.
Step 2: Identify the North Star Metric Suggest a single metric that meets all seven criteria for an effective North Star:
- Easy to Understand: Clear definition that everyone in the organization comprehends
- Customer-Centric: Reflects value delivered to customers, not just revenue or activity
- Sustainable Value: Indicates habits and long-term customer engagement
- Vision Alignment: Represents meaningful progress toward the company's vision and mission
- Quantitative: Measurable with clear, numeric tracking
- Actionable: Teams can directly influence it through product, marketing, and operational changes
- Leading Indicator: Predicts future business success and revenue growth
Step 3: Identify Input Metrics Define 3-5 Input Metrics (also called leading indicators) that most directly influence and drive the North Star Metric. Each input metric should:
- Be easier to move in the short term
- Directly contribute to the North Star outcome
- Help identify where optimization efforts should focus
Tips for Best Results
- Provide details about your business model and revenue model
- Share your company's vision, mission, or long-term goals
- Include current metrics you're tracking
- Mention key customer segments and use cases
- Describe the primary value you deliver to customers
Further Reading
FAQ
What does the north-star-metric skill do?
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.
How do I install north-star-metric?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/phuryn/pm-skills --skill north-star-metric in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/north-star-metric/ (personal) or .claude/skills/north-star-metric/ (project).
Which AI agents can use north-star-metric?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is north-star-metric safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains north-star-metric?
It is published by phuryn in phuryn/pm-skills. It has 2,867 recorded installs.
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