SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-multiple-performance-metrics

Why can one performance metric mislead a leader?

One number may hide effects elsewhere in the system.

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  1. Every metric is always false
  2. Numbers cannot be compared
  3. One measure can hide tradeoffs ✔

Why: Higher speed may come with lower quality, and higher sales may come with unhappy customers. Leaders need a balanced view instead of celebrating one isolated number.

Huh, didn't know that: The time period and way data are grouped can also change the story a chart appears to tell.

The dad joke
Why did the metric bring a friend? One number felt lonely.
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References

Answer: One measure can hide tradeoffs. Higher speed may come with lower quality, and higher sales may come with unhappy customers. Leaders need a balanced view instead of celebrating one isolated number.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    a single metric can be misleading
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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