Definition
Control systems track leading and lagging indicators to detect drift early and enforce strategic discipline.

Introduction
What you measure—and review—improves. But measuring the wrong things optimizes the wrong system.

Explanation

Metric architecture: input (activities), process (cycle time), output (revenue, margin), and outcome (NPS, retention).

Leading vs. lagging: activation rate vs. revenue; defect rate vs. warranty cost.

Granularity: cohort and unit-level views; variance analysis.

Review rhythm: daily ops dashboards; weekly exception reviews; monthly deep dives.

Controls: thresholds, alerts, and pre-agreed actions.

Key Takeaways

Balance leading and lagging indicators.

Review exceptions to focus attention.

Tie metrics to actions, not reports.

Real-World Case
Intel popularized OKRs with crisp, reviewable measures that cascaded from corporate goals to team outputs—tightening execution focus.