KPI Accountability — One Owner, One Result

KPI accountability turns metrics into missions. Learn how to set clear ownership, review results consistently, and hold people accountable in ways that motivate action rather than fear. This section covers the psychology, tools, and systems behind true accountability.

How can misaligned metrics be fixed?

Audit KPIs, cut those that don’t link to strategy, and reassign focus.

Regularly review your KPI set to ensure each metric directly supports business strategy. Remove or replace those that don’t. Engage KPI owners in the process so they understand the rationale and stay committed to the new metrics.

What are misaligned metrics?

KPIs that don’t support the company’s core goals.

Misaligned metrics are those that look good in isolation but don’t move the business toward its strategy. They can cause teams to optimize for the wrong outcomes, waste resources, and create conflicting priorities.

Can a KPI have a backup owner?

Yes, but responsibility must stay with the primary owner.

Backups are useful for coverage when the primary owner is unavailable, but they should not dilute accountability. The primary owner’s name stays attached to the KPI, ensuring clarity about who is ultimately responsible for performance and action.

CEO spotlighting one key metric while multiple dashboards fade into the background.

One KPI, One Owner: The Hidden Power of Manual Accountability

Mikkel Pedersen

May 9, 2025

min read

Discover why assigning one KPI to one owner—and reporting it manually—beats automation for focus, speed, and accountability.

Gold coins leaking through mis-aligned cogs; phone on right shows 7-KPI SMS.

The Hidden Cost of Mis-Aligned Metrics (and How to Fix Them)

Sigrid Mikkelborg

April 29, 2025

min read

Mis-aligned metrics drain time, morale, and profit. Learn the true cost—and a 3-step fix with a weekly 7-KPI SMS.