Aligning metrics with business goals is essential to avoid the pitfalls of vanity metrics, and it involves critical thinking skills such as problem identification and question formulation. The concept of a North Star metric is introduced as a guiding metric that aligns with a company’s long-term goals by encapsulating its core value and growth direction. To develop an effective North Star metric, businesses should identify key problems and solutions, often found in mission statements, and ensure these metrics are measurable, relevant, and actionable. Additionally, counter metrics are recommended to provide a more comprehensive view of success and help refine strategies by contrasting with the North Star metric. Utilizing BI tools like Metabase to store and visualize these metrics over time aids in tracking progress and making data-driven decisions, while a metrics store can standardize and simplify the development of new business questions as data evolves.