Key performance indicators (KPIs) help an organization measure its progress toward defined goals. They must reflect the organization's goals, be key to its success, and be measurable.

KPIs are usually long-term considerations. The definition of what they are and how they are measured does not change often. However, the goals for a particular KPI may change as the organization's goals change, or as it gets closer to achieving a goal.

It’s critical to limit KPIs to those factors that are essential to the organization reaching its goals. A small number keeps everyone's attention focused on achieving the same KPIs.

KPIs give everyone in the organization a clear picture of what is important and what they need to make happen. Everything the people in your organization do should focus on meeting or exceeding those KPIs. Post them everywhere: in the lunch room, the conference room, the intranet, even your organization's web site. Show the target for each KPI and show the progress toward that target for each. People will be motivated to reach those KPI targets.

Examples of KPIs

REALTOR® association KPIs might include the following:

  • attendance (at membership meetings, education sessions, association events, etc.)
  • enrollment (in association-sponsored courses and events)
  • website page views, downloads
  • product purchases
  • committee service
  • membership renewal rates

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