Agile Metrics – Why, What to consider, Examples and a checklist for your metrics

With this post I share my slides about agile metrics that I presented originally at the Management 3.0 regular table in Munich. As I’m currently preparing a more detailed workshop about agile metrics I share parts of it during my next posts.

The presentation about agile metrics

Checklist for Agile Metrics

I found the checklist to be used for every metric we are using to be really useful.

Point to check	Description
Name	This should be well chosen to avoid ambiguity, confusion, oversimplification.
Question	It should answer a specific, clear question for a particular role or group. If there are multiple questions, design other metrics.
Basis of Measurement	Clearly state what is being measured, including units. Labeling of graph axes must be clear rather than brief.
Assumptions	Should be identified to ensure clear understanding of data represented.
Level and usage	Indicate intended usages at various levels of the organization. Indicate limits on usage, if any.
Expected Trend	The designers of the metric should have some idea of what they expect to see happen. Once the metric is proven, document common trends.
When to use it	What prompted creation or use of this metric? How has it historically been used?
When to stop using it	When will it outlive its usefulness, become misleading or extra baggage? Design this in from the start.
How to game it	Think through the natural ways people will warp behavior or information to yield more ‘favorable’ outcomes.
Warnings	Recommend balancing metrics, limits on use, and dangers of improper use

Source: Appropriate Agile Measurement by Deborah Hartmann and Robin Dymond

Some considerations

The proposed measurements based on Scrum Metrics for Hyperproductive Teams I would not longer really suggest using it as they are all based on story points and I’m not longer using this way of estimation and instead prefer the #NoEstimates approach.

Instead I’m using more flow based measurements – see my post unleash predictability by using Actionable Agile Metrics (based on Actionable Agile Metrics for Predictability by Daniel S. Vacanti and my Book summary).

The part Why and What to consider I still highly recommend to consider for your metrics to be used.