Wise Metric Usage: Avoiding Manipulation in Your Pursuits
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Understanding Metrics and Their Impact
Just because something is measurable doesn’t mean it deserves your attention or effort.
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
Aside from the one time I rushed myself to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy, I managed to maintain a perfect attendance record for 25 years. I hardly consider that an absence since I left work at lunchtime, and luckily, my appendix chose Friday afternoon to misbehave. I was back at my desk by Monday.
I admit, I had a tendency to become obsessed with metrics, always striving to excel. It took me a considerable amount of time to grasp the true cost of this relentless pursuit. Although I still utilize metrics, I am now much more selective about which ones I prioritize. Here's why.
Metrics: Powerful Yet Potentially Deceptive
You’ve likely encountered the saying, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” This is sound advice if your goal is to oversee people effectively. However, I’d like to propose an alternative perspective: “If you can measure it, people will concentrate on it”—often to the detriment of everything else.
My central argument is this: your main focus, both personally and professionally, should be on understanding the context behind the metrics presented to you. Question your beliefs about what truly holds value. In simpler terms, just because something is measurable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth your pursuit.
What Matters Most in Your Career?
This question seems straightforward, right? Your career success often correlates with how much you enhance the following aspects:
- Your salary and benefits
- Your job titles and promotions
- The number of employees you supervise
- The scale of your budget or business
Depending on your field, additional metrics may apply, such as the number of new clients, sales growth, patents filed, contracts drafted, or lawsuits won. The crucial point isn’t the specific metrics but their mere existence.
What do all these metrics signify? They loudly announce that your success is tied to how much you contribute to your company's achievements.
Your Company’s Success Does Not Equate to Your Own
Was I misguided for prioritizing perfect attendance? What was the benefit of pushing myself to go to work when common sense suggested I should rest during an illness?
Even if you are a solo entrepreneur, aiming to achieve the same metrics as everyone else is unwise. Why? Because the goals of your company may not align with your personal aspirations.
With a promotion comes additional responsibilities and stress. A larger team means more management and HR duties. A bigger budget usually brings more workload and frustration.
Some may argue, “But James, you didn’t mention the increased salary. Isn’t more money a good thing?”
More isn’t always synonymous with better.
The Consequences of a Money-Centric Life
When your life revolves around the pursuit of wealth, you may find ways to reach your goals. However, I've observed many individuals tread this path, only to lead frantic, unfulfilled lives, regardless of their financial success.
Except for those striving to escape poverty—who genuinely need every dollar—very few find true happiness in the relentless chase for more money. Why pursue something that burdens you with more responsibility, stress, and dissatisfaction? Just because others are chasing it doesn’t justify it.
Two Essential Questions to Reflect On
- What do I genuinely want from life (e.g., happiness, meaning, fulfillment)?
- What will help me attain my true desires?
The aspirations of your company and the actions of your colleagues are irrelevant when it comes to discovering what you want.
To answer these questions honestly, you must temporarily set aside the metrics that others pursue. You may discover that time spent with loved ones brings you joy or that prioritizing your health leads to a more fulfilling life. Perhaps volunteering to assist others brings you a sense of purpose.
Whatever sources of happiness resonate with you, stop allowing external metrics to cloud your judgment.
Establish your own objectives and let your self-defined metrics lead the way.
Be well.
If you're interested in learning about the metrics I now apply to navigate my life, check out "A Little Stoic Wisdom."
Chapter 2: Understanding Manipulation Through Metrics
In this video, "How to Identify Manipulation - Intentional or Unintentional?", we explore the nuances of manipulation in various contexts and how to recognize it effectively.
Chapter 3: Metrics and Strategic Decision-Making
The second video, "Using Metrics To Inform Strategy," delves into how to leverage metrics strategically without being swayed by superficial numbers.