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Dictionary by pitch.dog
Purpose, goals & strategic direction · Working

Critical success factor

Also called: CSF

ELI5

Something that has to go right for the plan to work.

Used in conversation

“Executive sponsorship is a critical success factor for the rollout.”

Definition

A condition or capability that must be present for a strategy or initiative to succeed.

Here “Critical success factor” means: A condition or capability that must be present for a strategy or initiative to succeed.

Pitch context

You will see “Critical success factor” in strategy decks, market analyses, business plans and planning workshops when the discussion reaches purpose, goals & strategic direction.

Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret purpose, goals & strategic direction without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.

When the words have to travel

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Sources & evidence · 5

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.