In theory I imagine the metrics a company defines and attempts to achieve are the ones they want to optimize for. So in essence I can think of only 2 primary r

In theory I imagine the metrics a company defines and attempts to achieve are the ones they want to optimize for. So in essence I can think of only 2 primary reasons it will end badly. 1) They're measuring incorrectly 2) Their "world view" is incorrect In either case as long as they continually re-assess the above 2, their metrics will change and (ideally) optimize toward a more accurate reflection of reality. I'd rather have evidence that my world view is incorrect, and learn this as quickly as possible so I can adapt to what the data is telling me. It's certainly not easy to do this right (and may be impossible to perfect), but I think it's an objectively better option than, say, "going with your gut".