When the measure becomes the target
Economist Charles Goodhart originally observed a problem in monetary policy that has since become a much broader idea:
When a measure becomes a target, it often stops being a good measure.
Whenever you see a number steering behavior, ask:
Is this the outcome we actually care about—or merely something easier to measure?
Metrics are useful servants.
They become dangerous substitutes for purpose.
What in our society suffers from Goodhart’s Law?
Business
Fitness Tracking / Marathon Training / Weightlifting PR
Social Media
School
And how can we redirect our attention to what matters more—like the process?