What it actually means
I read a book on metrics and we're going to talk about this one number for a year.
Surface meaning: A single guiding metric or vision that orients team decisions.
If someone just said “North Star” in a meeting, here is what they probably meant, what to do about it, and how to keep your sanity.
In the wild
CEO: Our north star is monthly active users.
(Six months later: north star is weekly retention.)
How to respond
Ask what the previous north star was, and why it changed. If they can't answer, the star is rotating.
Origin
Navigation. Adopted by startup metrics culture in the 2010s, largely via Sean Ellis and growth bloggers.
FAQ
What does "North Star" actually mean?
I read a book on metrics and we're going to talk about this one number for a year.
Where did the phrase "North Star" come from?
Navigation. Adopted by startup metrics culture in the 2010s, largely via Sean Ellis and growth bloggers.
How should I respond when someone says "North Star"?
Ask what the previous north star was, and why it changed. If they can't answer, the star is rotating.
Related corporate vocabulary
This was, of course, a meeting that should have been an email.
Run the fake meeting simulator. Generate a bingo card. Be busy without being there.
Open the simulator →