A clear vision provides the foundation for growth, offering direction and purpose to an organization. Yet, many strategies fail not because the vision is weak, but because execution falls short. Turning big ideas into tangible outcomes requires more than ambition—it demands structure, alignment, and commitment across teams. The real measure of success lies in bridging the gap between what is envisioned and what is achieved.

In light of this, The KPI Institute is hosting the upcoming webinar, “Turning Strategic Vision into Action,” on September 23 at 11:00 AM Gulf Standard Time (GST). The session will run for 45 minutes of presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer (Q&A) to address participants’ specific questions. Anchored in insights from the upcoming edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice – MENA Region Report, which carries the same title, this webinar offers an opportunity to connect research with practice.

About the State of Strategy Management Practice Report

The State of Strategy Management Practice MENA Region Report offers an in-depth look at the latest trends, challenges, and emerging practices shaping the field of strategy management today. More than a data-driven study, it serves as a practical resource and catalyst for change, providing valuable insights that organizations can use to strengthen their strategic capabilities. For professionals, the report functions as a benchmarking tool that can help them evaluate current practices, identify gaps, and adopt more effective approaches to address real-world challenges. Follow The KPI Institute on LinkedIn to be the first to know when the report is released and to get your copy.

Why You Should Attend

This webinar is designed to equip professionals with the insights needed to make strategy execution a strength within their organizations. Participants will discover how to close the gap between strategy and operations, ensuring that high-level goals are effectively translated into action. The session will also explore practical methods to turn objectives into concrete roadmaps, align stakeholders to build stronger collaboration, and empower teams to take ownership of results. Moreover, it will provide solutions to common barriers that often stand in the way of successful execution.

Meet the Facilitators

The session will be led by Cristina Mihăiloaie and Teodora Gorski, who bring over 25 years of combined experience in strategy and performance management across multiple industries and regions.

Cristina Mihăiloaie is the Technical Director of Systaems, the consultancy division of The KPI Institute, with more than 13 years of expertise in strategy and performance management. Over the last decade, she has been actively engaged in research, training, and advisory work, guiding organizations in leveraging KPIs to accelerate growth and build stronger management systems. Advocating for impactful strategy planning and performance management, Cristina has supported organizations across North America, Europe, and the GCC in tailoring and applying best practices to their local contexts.

Teodora Gorski is a Strategy and Performance Management expert with more than 12 years of international experience spanning consulting, advisory, and executive education. In her role as Managing Director MENA at The KPI Institute, she oversees regional operations and supports organizations in enhancing their strategy and performance practices. She also leads Strategic Partnerships & Growth at the Global Performance Audit Unit, where she drives initiatives that foster performance maturity across government, corporate, and academic sectors.

Secure your spot today and take the first step toward turning your strategic vision into meaningful impact. Register now HERE.

Eric Lynn, senior learning Manager at Microsoft, offered a clear message in an interview featured in Performance Magazine – Print Edition, No. 32 (The Employee Performance Edition): performance culture starts with clarity—and leaders who set the tone.

Lynn, who also serves as a professional coach in Microsoft’s Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS) organization, explained that without clear standards, workplace culture risks becoming inconsistent and reactive. With nearly two decades of experience in learning and development, he draws from a background in sports administration and leadership, applying strategic thinking to how teams function.

“In a performance-based culture, it is imperative to have transparency and clear standards,” he noted. That consistency allows individuals to focus, contribute, and move the business forward, especially as technologies like AI change the way work is distributed and measured.

He emphasizes that today’s workplace demands a more team-oriented approach. While individual contribution remains important, accountability now sits with leaders just as much as with employees. “If a member of the team is struggling, leaders must ask why—and what can be done to support them,” he said.

Lynn also cautions against over-reliance on incentives alone to drive results. A strong performance culture, he explained, requires alignment, trust, and a structure that allows individuals to act with autonomy. Without that, even the most well-designed reward systems may fall short.

One of the most practical tools he highlights is coaching based on curiosity. Replacing judgment with questions such as “What about…” or “Have we considered…” creates space for reflection and improvement, while still keeping performance expectations in focus.

Lynn’s advice is grounded in a simple principle: when employees know what is expected of them, and when standards are consistently applied, performance improves. Leaders, in turn, can focus on supporting long-term results instead of correcting short-term missteps.

To read the full interview, download Performance Magazine – Print Edition, No. 32 (The Employee Performance Edition) for free via the TKI Marketplace. Printed copies are also available for order on Amazon (printing and shipping fees apply).

With today’s advanced technologies and digital tools, especially the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, collecting data has never been easier and accessible. Yet, despite the abundance of numbers, many organizations still struggle to transform this information into meaningful insights that drive decision-making.

To address this gap, the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit, the strategy and performance audit division of The KPI Institute, is hosting the second session of its Performance Excellence Webinar Series: “Strengthening KPI Practices for Better Decision-Making.” Scheduled for 16 September 2025, this live 60-minute session is open to all participants with free registration.

The webinar will be led by Teo Gorski, Head of Consulting Services at The KPI Institute, who will guide participants on transforming performance measurement from a bureaucratic checkbox into a true catalyst for decision-making. She’s also the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Growth at GPA Unit.

Why you should attend

• Spot the traps: In this webinar, you will learn how to identify low-maturity measurement habits, from data-driven confusion to over-engineered reports that go unread.
• Design key performance indicators (KPIs) with purpose: Discover how you can align indicators with strategy, ownership, and learning cycles so every number has a clear role.
• Govern for agility: Understand how you can keep the KPI system lean, decision-ready, and adaptable as organizational priorities evolve.

Who should attend

This session is designed for performance leaders, strategy professionals, project management office teams, and data owners—anyone tasked with turning metrics into meaningful action.

With practical insights and tools, the webinar promises to help participants streamline cluttered scorecards, focus on the KPIs that matter, and build governance systems that ensure lasting relevance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your KPI practices and put your metrics to work. Register today! Visit the GPA Unit website for more information.

Performance Magazine has released its newest print issue, and this time, it focuses on one of the most defining changes in today’s workplace: AI in strategy and performance. Performance Magazine Issue – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition) explores how artificial intelligence is influencing not just tools and workflows but the deeper layers of how organizations plan, execute, and evaluate performance.

The cover story features Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first ever chief decision scientist. Rather than echoing the dominant automation narrative, Kozyrkov calls for a return to disciplined thinking. Her reflections point to a core concern in strategy work today: how to make better decisions, faster, with the support of AI—not at the cost of human oversight. She draws attention to the difference between replacing judgment and reinforcing it, which frames much of what the rest of the edition explores.

Among the features is a practical explainer on how machine learning works, covering its core structure, main types, and underlying learning processes. Another article offers historical context that traces how AI has developed over time, helping distinguish durable progress from hype.

One article takes a closer look at the role of AI in strategy and performance, showing how machine learning models are being used to assess current conditions, simulate future outcomes, and support strategic direction. It also explores how AI contributes to performance management by helping set more accurate targets, cascade KPIs across levels, and monitor progress with predictive insights.

Several articles explore how AI is embedded in the daily flow of work. These cover its integration into familiar tools and platforms, the rise of AI agents, and the increasing importance of prompt engineering as a technical skill. On the governance front, readers will find a scan of AI regulatory developments around the world, focusing on how companies are adjusting policies and compliance mechanisms to match legal expectations.

The Interviews section brings in a mix of technical, academic, and legal perspectives. Alongside Kozyrkov are voices like Tarry Singh, Professor J. Mark Bishop, Frank Naussbaum, and Dr. Jon Truby, who discuss the operational, ethical, and structural implications of adopting AI at scale.

Closing the edition is a contribution from guest editor Islam Salahuddin, a data consultant and facilitator at Systaems. He is certified as a data analyst and trainer by Microsoft and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI. In his essay, he explores how much of the confusion around AI stems from language itself. Even the term “AI” can mean entirely different things depending on background or experience. This confusion, he argues, is especially present in business conversations, where abstract terms often blur rather than clarify. 

Performance Magazine Issue – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition) is now available as a free digital download via the TKI Marketplace. Print copies can be ordered through Amazon, with standard printing and shipping fees applied.

Marketing is no longer solely defined by visibility. It now centers on building authentic relationships and consistently addressing the shifting needs and values of consumers. Organizations nowadays are required to implement strategies that are both evidence-based and adaptable. A well-structured marketing function, when aligned with long-term business objectives, plays a critical role in strengthening trust, enhancing operational effectiveness, and supporting sustainable growth.

To support professionals in measuring marketing performance more effectively, The KPI Institute has released the Top 25 Marketing KPIs – 2025 Edition. This edition highlights the most impactful key performance indicators (KPIs), selected based on real-world usage and relevance across industries. Covering metrics such as customer retention, brand awareness, and customer acquisition cost, the report serves as a reliable resource for organizations aiming to align marketing efforts with performance management best practices.

To provide a glimpse into the report, here are five of the top KPIs included in the 2025 edition:

1. # Net Promoter Score – Measures how likely customers are to recommend the company’s products or services to others.
2. % Customer retention – Measures the proportion of customers an organization retains over a specific time period.
3. % Brand awareness – Measures the level of brand recognition and recall among the target audience.
4. $ Customer acquisition cost – Measures the average expense incurred to acquire a new customer.
5. % Customer satisfaction with new products and services – Measures the percentage of satisfied customers with new products and services generated through innovation initiatives.

The Top 25 Marketing KPIs – 2025 Edition goes beyond listing metrics. It provides strategic guidance for enhancing performance measurement practices in today’s complex marketing environment. This edition includes in-depth articles that explore the KPI conceptual framework, common challenges in KPI usage, and ten practical tactics for improving implementation. 

Additionally, it features enhanced documentation templates with updated formats that emphasize the most critical information for each KPI, making them easier to understand, communicate, and integrate into existing performance systems. All KPIs in this report have been carefully reviewed and updated to reflect the latest business trends, ensuring that the resource remains relevant and actionable for today’s marketing professionals.

To explore the complete list of KPIs and discover how they can support your organization’s strategic and operational objectives, download the Top 25 Marketing KPIs – 2025 Edition from the TKI Marketplace. A printed edition is also available for purchase via Amazon. Secure your copy today and stay ahead in marketing performance management.

Created by The KPI Institute, a global leader in strategy and performance research and education, smartKPIs is the most comprehensive online resource of its kind. With over 21,000 real KPIs collected from organizations worldwide, the platform helps organizations and professionals define, compare, and select the right metrics faster and with greater confidence. Whether you’re setting key performance indicators (KPIs) for the first time or refining an existing performance framework, knowing where to look and what to look for makes a difference. Here are 10 things to know about smartKPIs:

1. Massive KPI database: smartKPIs is home to over 21,000 documented KPIs, making it the world’s largest searchable repository for real-world key performance indicators. These metrics are drawn from published reports, internal dashboards, and on-the-ground case studies.
2. Structured by domains and industries: The database is organized by industry, functional area, and even departmental level, helping users find context-relevant KPIs in seconds. This makes it ideal for benchmarking, performance system design, or refreshing outdated metrics.
3. Professionally documented format: Each KPI is described using a standardized structure that includes definition, calculation formula, data source, and usage recommendations. This eliminates ambiguity and makes it easier for teams to implement indicators consistently.
4. Quality assured by research analysts: Every entry is reviewed by a team of research analysts with expertise in measurement and performance management. This curation ensures the data stays reliable, relevant, and aligned with evolving business practices.
5. Updated with real-world insights: The platform is continuously updated with indicators from actual business scorecards, public reports, and newly published research. This gives users access to trends as they unfold across industries and geographies.
6. Supports KPI selection and cascading: smartKPIs helps users identify KPIs that align with strategic objectives and cascade them across organizational levels. Whether you’re managing enterprise strategy or tracking individual performance, it offers examples that scale.
7. Enables benchmarking across sectors: With thousands of KPIs covering both common and niche sectors, users can compare metrics across industries to see how others measure similar goals. It’s especially useful for organizations looking to innovate or localize best practices.
8. Integrates with learning tools and guides: Each KPI links to additional resources, such as toolkits, implementation guides, and online training offered by The KPI Institute. This creates a more complete support system for users looking to build internal capability.
9. Trusted by global users: From Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and non-profits, the database is used by strategy, HR, finance, and operations teams around the world. It’s a preferred reference for those designing performance systems from scratch or improving legacy setups.
10. Accessible with flexible plans: The platform offers a range of subscription options depending on organizational needs, from individual licenses to enterprise access. Users can also explore free samples before committing to full access.

For anyone working in performance design or KPI reporting, smartKPIs is more than a database—it’s a decision support tool. Visit the platform to explore real indicators, save time, and sharpen your measurement approach!

Employee performance is a constant focus for organizations that expect results. But achieving strong individual outcomes takes more than periodic reviews or general encouragement. It requires clear targets, regular feedback, relevant data, and well-defined processes.

This roundup brings together a full set of tools, guides, and learning materials from The KPI Institute. These references remain relevant across roles and time because they focus on practical action—planning, evaluating, developing, and following up on performance. Whether you’re an HR professional, manager, or business leader, you’ll find clear ways to align employees with goals, track progress, and improve results.

1. Employee Performance Evaluation: This session explains how to assess employee performance using objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), competencies, and behaviors. It includes techniques for linking performance results with compensation and recognition.
2. Performance Improvement Essentials: Gain practical techniques for managing performance through data, structured follow-up, and clear accountability. The webinar introduces methods for tracking actions and reviewing progress across business units.
3. Understanding Personal Performance: This webinar focuses on individual performance tracking. It provides principles for setting personal goals and using tools and apps for measuring activity, effort, and progress.
4. Cross-Cultural Management: Explore key concepts for leading diverse teams, with guidance on navigating cultural dimensions, work style differences, and communication barriers.
5. Performance Magazine Issue No. 32, 2025 – Employee Performance Edition: Available as a FREE digital edition, this issue focuses on how culture connects to performance. It explores how systems, behaviors, and everyday practices contribute to consistent outcomes across teams and departments.
6. The Employee Performance Management Playbook: In this article, you’ll discover how to integrate individual goals, KPIs, and development plans into daily work through a structured performance planning approach.
7. The Human Resources KPI Dictionary: This dictionary presents a detailed structure of KPIs used across major HR areas. It helps with both setting up and refining performance measurement frameworks for departments and roles.
8. Top 25 Compensation and Benefits KPIs of 2011–2012: This collection of KPIs remains a valuable reference for anyone designing or refining compensation frameworks. Find some of the most viewed and widely used metrics for pay and benefits—complete with standard definitions, formulas, and practical suggestions.
9. Top 25 Retention KPIs of 2011–2012: These retention and engagement metrics continue to offer timeless insights for building long-term staff continuity. The report features key indicators used to track turnover, engagement, and related costs—ideal for guiding or benchmarking today’s HR strategies.
10. Individual Performance Management System – Guide: Access a comprehensive framework for building employee performance systems, featuring 15 editable templates like job descriptions, scorecards, and evaluation forms.
11. Individual Performance Evaluation and Follow-Up Templates: These templates help track performance activities and support review discussions. Tools include a daily activity log, feedback guide, initiative tracker, development plan, and rewards policy.
12. Quick Guides for Developing an IPM System: Support your implementation of performance processes with these step-by-step resources on behavior selection, objective setting, role assignments, and evaluation planning.

These resources give you the structure to plan, track, and improve employee performance across any department or team. Consistent output starts with consistent management!

The Global Performance Audit Unit (GPA Unit) has formally recognized the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) for achieving Maturity Level IV – Integrated in the Performance Measurement capability, following a maturity assessment conducted using the GPA Unit’s Integrated Performance Maturity Model Framework. This recognition reflects the Commission’s commitment to advancing its internal performance measurement practices and supporting its strategic objectives through reliable, structured, and data-driven approaches.

As the national body responsible for shaping Saudi Arabia’s literary and publishing ecosystem, LPTC operates at the intersection of culture, innovation, and policy. Its recent efforts to strengthen performance measurement mark an important step in aligning internal systems with its strategic and cultural objectives.

The evaluation followed a comprehensive methodology that combined evidence-based, perception-based and interview-based analysis. Evidence was collected through detailed reviews of internal documentation, frameworks, and procedures. Perception-based insights were obtained via internal quantitative surveys, complemented by qualitative interviews with staff and stakeholders during the interview phase. This approach enabled a well-rounded assessment across six key dimensions: KPI selection, KPI documentation, target setting, data gathering, data visualization, and governance.

The findings confirmed that LPTC has developed a cohesive and well-integrated performance measurement system. KPIs are clearly defined and aligned with strategic priorities, supported by strong practices in target setting, data collection, and visualization. These efforts are reinforced by committed leadership and a clear focus on continuous improvement. Effective governance structures and well-defined roles promote accountability and execution, laying a solid foundation for sustained progress.

“LPTC’s recognition is a demonstration of what disciplined performance stewardship looks like in the public sector.” Said Teodora Gorski, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Growth at the GPA Unit. ” The ability to define what matters, measure it with consistency, and act on it with purpose reflects operational strength and institutional clarity. At this level, performance measurement is no longer a function; it becomes a leadership instrument. It enables alignment, drives accountability, and positions the Commission as a reference point for excellence in public sector performance.”

The assessment was conducted as part of the GPA Unit’s ongoing work with public sector institutions in Saudi Arabia, supporting the national direction under Vision 2030 to strengthen transparency, strategic alignment, and performance across government entities. By reaching Level IV in Performance Measurement, the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission joins a growing group of entities recognized for their structured and forward-looking approach to managing performance.

The GPA Unit commends the Commission’s leadership and teams for their openness, professionalism, and dedication throughout the assessment process. This milestone not only validates existing practices but also provides a solid foundation for future development and continuous improvement.

Just as individuals must adapt to changes in their personal lives, such as shifting priorities and new tools, organizations must also respond to broader shifts in the environment in which they operate. Today, sociocultural changes and technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in redefining how strategy is crafted and how performance is managed. 

The 2025 Global Trends Brief, by The KPI Institute, emerges as a vital resource, offering comprehensive insights into the forces set to shape the strategic direction of organizations worldwide. Drawing from an extensive analysis of over 100 industry publications, expert commentaries, and in-depth studies, the report highlights the primary drivers of change across six critical dimensions: Geopolitical, Economic, Socio-Cultural, Environmental, Technological, and Legal.

In our previous article, we explored the Geopolitical and Economic drivers, where we highlighted how global power shifts, inflation, and supply chain instability are influencing organizational strategy, risk management, and performance.

In this follow-up, we now explore the Sociocultural and Technological trends that are redefining the workforce and transforming business operations. From artificial intelligence (AI) integration and cybersecurity to shifting workplace values and talent models, these forces are reshaping how organizations operate and compete in a modern business world.

Sociocultural advancements reshape workforce strategies

According to the 2025 Global Trends Brief, organizations are no longer relying solely on traditional methods to attract and retain talent. Instead, skills-first hiring has gained momentum, signaling a shift away from degree-based qualifications. Companies are placing higher value on practical capabilities, real-world experience, and adaptability.

Meanwhile, employee experience, mental health, and professional development have emerged as critical priorities. With hybrid work environments now the norm, businesses are addressing the challenges of talent shortages, workforce engagement, and well-being. In this evolving landscape, AI integration is also redefining talent strategies, enabling more targeted hiring, upskilling programs, and reduced turnover.

Notably, women-led businesses are expected to lead innovation across high-growth sectors such as healthcare and technology, signaling a sociocultural shift toward more inclusive and resilient leadership models.

However, as older generations retire in large numbers, many industries are facing a looming talent gap. This trend is pushing organizations to invest in internal development, cross-training, and more flexible working models to future-proof their workforce.

Technology continues to disrupt and empower

On the technological front, AI’s evolving ecosystem is transforming business operations across industries. One major development is the rapid advancement of DeepSeek, which has raised national security concerns in the U.S., emphasizing the growing complexity of international AI competition.

At the organizational level, cybersecurity has become a top priority. As autonomous and agentic AI systems begin to carry out tasks with minimal human input, ensuring safe and ethical deployment is paramount. Businesses are now exploring how these AI agents can handle routine tasks, enabling employees to focus on high-value work.

Generative AI (GenAI) is also set to revolutionize operations, particularly in supply chain management, by automating decision-making, improving forecasting accuracy, and streamlining logistics. Meanwhile, the convergence of quantum computing and AI is opening new frontiers in data processing and problem-solving, with implications for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance.

After years of software dominance, hardware innovation is staging a comeback. From advanced chips designed for AI workloads to energy-efficient processors, the renewed focus on physical infrastructure is enabling AI systems to operate at higher speeds and lower costs.

As sociocultural and technological trends continue to evolve, they’re not just shaping operations. But they are also redefining the core of strategy, leadership, and performance. Explore the full insights, including key figures, referenced studies, and detailed analysis on how each component impacts strategy and performance management practices. Download the full 2025 Global Trends Brief, available on the TKI Marketplace. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles as we unpack the remaining two drivers in detail.

Local governments are responsible for shaping the quality of life in communities. Being the most immediate level of authority to citizens, local governments are responsible for providing basic services like public safety, sanitation, local infrastructure, education, and health. Their role covers governance, allocation of resources, and sensitivity to community needs.

To fulfill this role effectively, local governments must adopt robust performance management systems that enable them to monitor progress, assess impact, and ensure accountability in service delivery. At the center of these systems are key performance indicators (KPIs)—quantifiable metrics that translate strategic objectives into measurable outcomes. KPIs can help local authorities track the efficiency of services, identify performance gaps, and make timely, evidence-based decisions. By providing clear benchmarks and real-time insights, KPIs empower governments to remain agile in the face of evolving community needs and increasing operational complexity.

In line with the growing need for effective performance measurement, The KPI Institute’s Top 25 Local Government KPIs – 2025 Edition offers a valuable resource that can support local governments in strengthening their performance measurement practices. The report features a curated selection of the most relevant and widely used KPIs across local governance, based on comprehensive research and global benchmarking. 

Covering core service areas such as budgeting, infrastructure, public safety, and citizen satisfaction, each KPI in the Top 25 Local Government KPIs – 2025 Edition is presented with a standardized definition, calculation formula, and practical application guidance. This edition serves as a helpful reference for municipalities seeking to enhance data-driven decision-making, improve service delivery, and align operational efforts with strategic goals. To provide a glimpse into the report, here are five of the top KPIs included in the 2025 edition:

1. # Recruit to hire ratio for job placements – Measures the proportion of referred applicants who are successfully hired through employment programs facilitated by the local government.
2. % Unemployment rate – Measures the percentage of the active labor force that is unemployed within the total active labor force.
3. % Online public procurement – Measures the proportion of public procurement orders completed electronically by government entities, compared to the total number of procurement transactions during the reporting period.
4. $ New school construction cost per square foot – Measures the average cost of school construction per square foot of developed area.
5. $ Ratio of reinvestment into the community – Measures the proportion of a local government’s total revenue that is reinvested into community development and public services.

The Top 25 Local Government KPIs – 2025 Edition offers in-depth articles, where you can discover new thought leadership articles that dive into the performance measurement concept framework, prevalent KPI use challenges, and 10 pragmatic tactics for more effective KPI implementation. It also features improved documentation templates with revised forms that now highlight the most important information of every KPI, making them simpler to comprehend, communicate, and incorporate into performance systems. All KPIs have been extensively reviewed and updated to address the most recent business trends, so the report continues to be a current and useful resource.

To explore the full list of KPIs and understand how they can support your local government’s strategic and operational objectives, download the Top 25 Local Government KPIs – 2025 Edition from the TKI Marketplace. A printed edition is also available for purchase via Amazon. Get your copy today!