What a Good KPI Report Actually Looks Like

In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into KPI reports, what they are, how to build them, and why most fall short of driving real value. He breaks down the differences between dashboards and reports, explores the roles of leading and lagging indicators, and offers a practical approach to building reports that don’t just deliver the news but actually help move the needle. Whether you're starting from scratch or inheriting a reporting process, this episode will help you rethink how you use data to influence outcomes.

What You’ll Discover:

• What separates a dashboard from a KPI report, and why both matter.

• The difference between leading and lagging indicators (with real examples from ops and sales).

• Why asking “Who owns this KPI?” is just as important as “What are we measuring?”

• A simple framework for building reports that drive clarity, accountability, and customer value.

• How to collect data the right way, whether long-term or temporary, without overcomplicating it.

• Why “more data” isn’t better, and how to push back on ineffective reporting habits.

• Tips for refining your reports over time to support continuous improvement and better decision-making.