How do you prevent metric gaming in your team?
Model answer
Model answerMetric gaming happens when the incentive to hit the number is stronger than the commitment to the outcome the number represents. Prevention starts at definition: metrics should have an explicit rationale document — why this metric, what does it proxy for, and what would invalidate it. I'd also create counter-metrics: for every metric we optimize, there's a metric we won't let fall.
Framework · Metric Governance
- DDocument the rationale
Why this metric? What does it proxy for? What would invalidate it? - CCounter-metrics
For every metric you optimize, define one that must not fall - TTransparency norms
Encourage teams to flag suspicious metric wins before celebrating them - RRegular metric review
Metrics should expire or evolve — never let them become sacred cows
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