Identifying the right metrics for persuasion

Not all metrics carry equal persuasive weight with different stakeholders. Technical teams might focus on performance metrics while executives respond to business outcomes and designers prioritize user experience indicators.

Effective persuasion requires matching metrics to your audience's priorities and values. Before presenting data, ask: "What does this person or team care about most?" The most persuasive metrics create clear connections between actions and outcomes. They demonstrate not just what happened but why it matters to the specific stakeholder. This is far more effective than overwhelming audiences with comprehensive dashboards or focusing solely on metrics that you personally find compelling.