Hey there,

If you’ve ever wondered how Priorities fit alongside Critical Numbers and metrics, here’s the key: metrics show what success looks like. Priorities are how you get there.

Let’s break it down.

Once you’ve defined success for the quarter — “If we’re at X by the end of the quarter, that’s a win” — the next step is building the strategy to reach it. That strategy is your Priority.

Think of Priorities as the big pushes. They take the full quarter to complete and should drive progress toward your Critical Numbers or other key targets. You’ll know a Priority is built well if you can easily tell whether it’s on track.

Here are two proven ways to measure a Priority:

1. Leading Indicator: Tie it to something that predicts success for one of your Critical Numbers.

2. 13-Week Sprint: Break the Priority into weekly milestones to track steady progress — each week becomes a clear checkpoint.

You don’t have to choose one or the other. In fact, adding a sprint view to any Priority makes it easier to stay aligned and accountable.

Priorities should never be a mystery. If you can’t tell whether it’s working until the quarter ends, it’s not doing its job. The best Priorities are SMART or FAST — but more importantly, they’re visible, trackable, and actionable throughout the quarter.

Need a gut check on yours?

Explore this quick guide to building better Priorities:
👉 What Are Priorities? – Align Academy

Or join us live at Ask Align and bring your questions to our team.

What’s the difference between Metrics, Priorities, Critical Numbers, and KPI Cards?

Each plays a unique role in your plan:

• Priorities are the strategic initiatives you’re driving this quarter. They define how you’ll hit your targets and can be tracked with Metrics or weekly sprints.

• Critical Numbers are the top 5 numbers to watch. These are your team’s rallying points — clear signals of success that everyone should stay focused on.

• Metrics are the data points behind it all. They power your dashboards, connect to integrations, and help you measure progress across the system.

• KPI Cards are your visual scoreboards. Build views that combine Metrics, Priorities, and Critical Numbers to keep the right numbers front and center.

Ask Align Topic: Priorities

• Focus Topic: First 10 minutes will focus on using Priorities. Talk through the best practices and what works for your specific company ...or ask Questions about what you already have. 
• Open Q&A: The remaining time will be spent on open Q&A about any topic, feature, or even your individual account.  

Ask Align is the best way to get FREE technical training and Advisory services.  We also love hearing product feedback and success stories.  Help us help you!  Please give us your feedback to make Align Customer Success work for your needs.  Email advisor@aligntoday.com or share at Ask Align!

Here’s to smart moves today and big wins tomorrow!

The Align Team

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