Atlassian

Atlassian - Goals, Signals, and Measures

Define success using Goals, Signals, and Measures (GSM). Identify what you're trying to achieve, how you'll know you're making progress, and how you'll track it. This framework ensures your team focuses on measuring what truly matters.

Duration
1.5 hours
Group Size
5-10
Category
Atlassian
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Define clear, actionable goals.

  • Identify leading indicators of progress.

  • Create measurable metrics for each signal.

  • Align on clear success criteria.

Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

  • Clearly defined Goals, Signals, and Measures.

  • A clear success framework.

  • A solid foundation for ongoing evaluation.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Clarify Goals (20 min):


  • What are we trying to achieve?

  • Why does this goal matter?

  • Who benefits from achieving this goal?


  1. Identify Signals (30 min):


  • What indicates we're making progress toward our goals?

  • What behaviors or outcomes suggest success?

  • Focus on leading indicators, not lagging ones.


  1. Define Measures (30 min):


  • How will we measure each signal?

  • What data do we need to collect?

  • What's our target for each measure?

  • How often will we check the measures?


  1. Review and Commit (10 min):


  • Does this GSM framework capture what truly matters?

  • Is each element measurable?

  • Will we commit to tracking these measures regularly?

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Facilitator Tips

Signals are often more useful than raw measures. They provide early indications of progress. Focus on leading indicators. Be wary of vanity metrics that look good but don't reflect real progress. Double-check that your defined measures are actually trackable with the data you have available. Sometimes, you need to adjust the signal slightly to match available data.

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Whiteboard or collaborative document (e.g., Google Docs, Miro)

  • GSM template (digital or print)

  • Information about available data sources

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Resources & Templates

Atlassian - GSM Play
Official Atlassian guide to Goals, Signals, and Measures.
Google HEART Framework
Related framework for measuring user experience metrics.
GSM Template - Confluence
Confluence template for documenting GSM.

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Discussion

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