> [!bot-text] AI-generated
> This text was drafted by [[Jake]] and has been reviewed.
> [!info] Source
> [Don’t Let Metrics Undermine Your Business](https://hbr.org/2019/09/dont-let-metrics-undermine-your-business)
> by [[Michael Harris]], [[Bill Tayler]]
> Related: [[iaclass]], [[shortlist]], [[management]]
## Summary
Companies often replace abstract strategy with the measurable metrics meant to represent it, a tendency called surrogation.
Flawed or single-minded metrics can warp behavior and destroy long-term value, as at Wells Fargo.
Use multiple, well-aligned measures, loosen incentive links, and remind employees that metrics represent strategy—not replace it.
*(Summarized by Ghostreader)*
## Significance
> [!bot-text]
> A classic on 'surrogation': how employees substitute hard metrics for abstract strategy, and why that substitution destroys value — essential context for any measurement-heavy practice.
## Claims & insights
Claims that cite this summary (claims link here via `source`):
![[Summary - Don’t Let Metrics Undermine Your Business (Publish - Claims)]]
## Related summaries
Summaries that point at the same concepts:
![[Summary - Don’t Let Metrics Undermine Your Business (Publish - Related)]]