"If your boss asks for engineering metrics, start by reframing what they’re really asking for."
This here is really the key. One thing that I didn't do the first time I saw myself in such a situation but ended up learning by brute force. Things become way easier after refining this statement.
This is remarkably similar to the distinctions I use in the same situations. I call them Business Metrics, Operational Metrics, and Productivity Metrics.
I have a theory: Engineering Organizations in tech-driven companies seldom pay attention to metrics. Why? Because they simply ship value, quickly, and consistently. On the other hand, Engineering Organizations in sales-led or product-led or blue-chip companies obsess over metrics and measuring productivity because they probably struggle to ship value, quickly, and consistently.
Three-Bucket Framework for Engineering Metrics
"If your boss asks for engineering metrics, start by reframing what they’re really asking for."
This here is really the key. One thing that I didn't do the first time I saw myself in such a situation but ended up learning by brute force. Things become way easier after refining this statement.
"I am working on a new DevEx framework with Dr. Nicole Forsgren and Dr. Margarette-Anne Storey which will offer a new approach."
Super interested to see this Abi! Email us as soon as it's live if you can.
This is remarkably similar to the distinctions I use in the same situations. I call them Business Metrics, Operational Metrics, and Productivity Metrics.
I have a theory: Engineering Organizations in tech-driven companies seldom pay attention to metrics. Why? Because they simply ship value, quickly, and consistently. On the other hand, Engineering Organizations in sales-led or product-led or blue-chip companies obsess over metrics and measuring productivity because they probably struggle to ship value, quickly, and consistently.
I don't know if this is true or not though.
> so stakeholders will naturally be interested in knowing how productive developers are
Based on this context "Developer effectiveness" should probably be rephrased as "Developer efficiency". Here's a great description of the difference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS1mnISoG7U&t=209s