Seeking the wrong goal

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The system efficiently optimizes for a goal that doesn't match (or no longer matches) the real need. Measured performance goes up, everyone celebrates the wins, but the actual problem worsens or stays unsolved.

GDP is a metric that has been criticized ever since it was invented. It pushes effort into places that don't necessarily need it. It oversimplifies the overall health of a country.

Watch out for measuring effort without looking at results — otherwise you build a system that focuses solely on producing effort.