Goodhart’s law

When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.

Explanation:

  1. Statistical relationships will breakdown after 1st phase of success
  2. Systems will be gamed for optimizing thier own goals.
  3. Measure is assumed as a better measure than it is in a complex system

Solutions:

  1. Align people on the values. Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose.
  2. Balanced score card of multiple metrics to add constraints.
  3. Pay attention to the people’s work. Use metrics to inform the judgement and not as an objective substitute.

Alice in Wonderland

Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?

Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.

Alice: I don’t much care where.

Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.

Alice: …So long as I get somewhere.

Cheshire Cat: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”

Winnie the Pooh

It’s best to know what you are looking for, before you look for it.

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