metric in a team meeting, we’ve gone too far. Metrics should be like weather reports: Clear, straightforward and a reasonable guide to what you should wear that day. What I’m Letting Go I’m letting go of the vanity metrics – the ones that made us feel busy but didn’t help us be better. I’m letting go of the charts no one looked at unless I brought them up. I’m letting go of KPIs that were technically interesting but operationally irrelevant. And maybe most importantly, I’m letting go of the idea that more metrics means more control. In reality, more metrics usually just means more noise. This year is about clarity. Focus. Decisions. It’s about making room for the metrics that actually support growth, both personal and professional. Your Year Ahead If you’re exhausted by dashboards or frustrated by metrics that don’t move the needle, consider giving your KPIs a performance review of their own. Don’t start with a bigger list. Start with a better one. Narrow it down to the numbers that earn their keep and let the rest take the year off. We all want to start January strong. Sometimes that strength comes not from setting more goals but from choosing smarter ones. If that means setting KPIs for your KPIs, well, maybe that’s not such a ridiculous idea after all. After all, if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that clarity beats complexity every single time. Schwartz is director of sales at PPAI. Every sales team accumulates KPIs like an attic accumulates holiday décor: slowly, innocently … and then suddenly you’re tripping over it. With over 4 decades of experience, let our team at Kudzu bring our exceptional experience to keep your clients happy and fulfill their custom product needs. We provide quality custom products to make lasting impressions. No set up fees Quick turnaround SAGE# 52696 kudzu-ink.com | 1-800-622-9131 | KZI.Sales@kudzu-ink.com PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 27 Your Business | Voices
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