Any metric or goal statement is a heuristic/simplification/compression of the solution. As such, they're never perfect. They are, on the other hand, easier. Ju

Any metric or goal statement is a heuristic/simplification/compression of the solution. As such, they're never perfect. They are, on the other hand, easier. Just like bike shedding, this can distract the mind and shift focus from 100% on value generation to something less. The engineers on a project need to look at and know every detail so something that tries to eliminate the details of a project can distract them from that. Please respect that this can be hard for engineers to struggle against, particularly if they are deep in a complex space of consideration. That is the frame in which you want them. Please note that I am not saying that frame is better or more right. Keeping perspective and context is also deeply important and making sure that the investment of time, attention, and energy is directed efficiently keeps the doors open and the business afloat. Most engineers deeply understand and respect this. At the same time many of us have seen tools like metrics and top level goals used like cudgels to accomplish the opposite. In a more subtle pattern, the mental frame engineers need to accomplish their task is banished by continuous pushing of the business managerial frame to a reduced productivity in the task and increased difficulty in accomplishing it. Intrinsically motivated engineers hope for better and the grandparent was expressing as much.