How do you handle KPI formulation?

Goal setting and performance indicators can vary based on the methodology your company uses. For some, the OKR method drives all goal-setting and KPI formulation; for others, it will have a different set of attributes and hierarchies. Regardless of what method you use to design the core indicators for the business, in most cases, the individual 'indicators' or performance metrics will follow a SMART way of writing them (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).

Another good framework to consider is FAST - Frequently discussed, ambitious, specific, transparent. A good article outlining FAST vs SMART is here: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/with-goals-fast-beats-smart/.

Whatever method or formula is used, make sure to frequently communicate the KPIs being used, track their performance, and discuss with the team the current status. Use them to rally the team around core priorities and anchor the projects your team is working on around them.