How would you handle a situation where two squads are optimizing for conflicting metrics?
Model answer
Model answerConflicting metrics between squads usually reveals a strategy problem, not a metrics problem — the squads are optimizing for different things because the company hasn't been clear about what matters most. My approach: bring both squads together, map how each metric connects to the company north star, and find the conflict explicitly. Then resolve it at the strategy level: what's the priority order? Once that's clear, adjust metrics to reflect it.
Framework · Metric Governance
- DDiagnose the root cause
Conflicting metrics = unclear strategy. Fix the strategy, not the metrics - NConnect to the north star
Map each squad's metric to the company-level goal — where do they diverge? - TTrade-off decision
Force a priority call: which metric wins when they conflict? That's a leadership decision - RRedesign incentives
After clarity: update team goals so optimization is complementary, not competitive
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