"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.
"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