Leading Indicator

A Leading Indicator is a measurable factor that changes before the outcome it predicts. In the context of OKRs, leading indicators are metrics you can influence and track in real-time that predict whether you'll achieve your end-of-cycle targets. They help you course-correct early rather than waiting for final results.

For example, if your Key Result is "Increase revenue to $10M," leading indicators might be "Meetings scheduled with prospects," "Proposals submitted," or "Demo requests." These input metrics give you early signal about whether you're on track for the revenue outcome. If your leading indicators are strong but the outcome isn't moving, your theory about what drives the outcome might be wrong — which is valuable learning.

The distinction between leading and lagging indicators is crucial for writing effective Key Results. Ideally, your Key Results should measure lagging indicators (the outcomes you ultimately care about), while your initiatives focus on leading indicators (the activities that drive outcomes). By tracking both, you stay proactive rather than reactive.