Metric misalignment is usually first visible in meetings: different teams show different numbers for “the same” KPI. This is rarely bad intent. It usually happens because alignment is shallow.

Anatomy of a metric (what must be aligned)

A metric definition is more than a number. To align it, you need to be explicit about:

• Name (and synonyms)
• Purpose (what decision it supports)
• Data sources + data points (tables, systems, events)
• Calculation (math and time logic)
• Business rules (returns, cancellations, “active”, exceptions)
• Filters and scope (region, product, channel, included and excluded)

Why metrics break (variety creates inconsistency)

Misalignment usually comes from variety that is not made explicit:

• Variety of names
• Variety of business rules
• Variety of calculations
• Variety of sources

What to do

1. Label the issue explicitly: we have a metric definition problem.
2. Collect evidence: examples of recurring disputes, screenshots, leadership frustration.