The 5 Biggest Lies We Believe About KPIs (And What to Focus on Instead)

Ndapandula Lukas
May 7
2 min read

In today's results-driven world, KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are everywhere. They're in pitch decks, meetings, reports—and even on walls. We've been taught to track them religiously, believing they hold the key to performance and accountability.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: many of the things we believe about KPIs are not only outdated—they’re misleading.

In his latest podcast "The 5 Biggest Lies About KPI's" Dr. PK enlightens us on how much time and energy we waste measuring the wrong things, or measuring everything, and calling it strategy.

Let’s unpack the five common lies he addresses and what we should do instead:

1. “If You Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It”

This sounds smart, but it’s not always true. Some of the most impactful parts of an organization—like innovation, creativity, or team culture—can’t be neatly quantified. Yet, they drive results. Management is about guidance, not just data.

Instead of obsessing over metrics, we need to focus on outcomes and the systems that support them.

2. “The More KPIs, the Better”

We’ve all seen it: spreadsheets with 40+ indicators, most of them barely reviewed. When everything is a KPI, nothing is. More data doesn’t mean more clarity—it means more noise.

Simplify. Choose a few indicators that truly reflect your priorities, and go deep on those.

3. “KPIs Should Always Be Quantitative”

Yes, numbers are useful. But let’s not ignore the richness of qualitative insight.Sometimes, the most telling feedback comes through stories, observations, or open conversations.

Blending numbers with narrative gives us a fuller picture of what’s really going on.

4. “We Must Measure Everything”

In an effort to appear accountable, some teams try to track every detail.The problem? We lose sight of strategy. Just because something can be measured doesn’t mean it should be.

Measure what matters—not what’s easiest to count.

5. “Once KPIs Are Set, They Shouldn’t Change”

Strategies shift. Contexts change. Yet, some organizations cling to old metrics like gospel.A stagnant KPI is like an outdated map—you may keep moving, but you won’t be heading in the right direction.

Build in time for regular review. Let your KPIs evolve as your goals do.

So, What’s the Real Purpose of a KPI?

KPIs aren’t the goal—they’re a guide. They should support decision-making, not replace it. The best KPI systems are lean, strategic, and human-centered. They give us room to think, adapt, and act—rather than bury us in dashboards and reports.

If you’ve ever felt KPI fatigue or struggled to see impact despite "good numbers," you're not alone. The solution isn't to throw out KPIs—but to rethink how we use them.

Let’s shift from data overload to strategic clarity.

If you have not yet, watch our latest episode here: