Getting definitions right.
WHAT THE COMMON FAILURE IS
Building what was asked for rather than what was needed.
WHAT TO ASK
What decision this supports What action follows from the answer What would surprise you How this is currently measured
WHY THAT LAST QUESTION MATTERS MOST
There is usually an existing figure, and yours must be reconciled against it or explained.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR EVERY METRIC
The exact definition, including exclusions.
WHAT TO WRITE DOWN
That definition, and who agreed it.
WHY
Memory of what was agreed diverges within weeks.
WHAT TO DO WHEN TEAMS DISAGREE
Surface it explicitly rather than choosing silently.
WHAT TO PRESENT ALONGSIDE NUMBERS
Their limitations.
WHY
A caveat delivered after someone acts is worthless.
WHAT TO PUSH BACK ON
Metrics with no owner Requests that would produce misleading results Precision that the data cannot support
WHAT TO DEMONSTRATE EARLY
A rough version, before building fully.
WHY
It reveals misunderstandings while they are cheap to fix.
WHAT TO AVOID
Technical explanations where a plain one serves.
