There are times when we look to change a metric due to an external challenge.  When this occurs, we need to determine, A, if we are changing the metric because it is incorrect, or B, we are changing the metric because of a resource shortfall.

As an example:  A skydiving operation uses the metric of ten jumps as the baseline for currency, but decides to lower the number to six.  Why?

If they determine that six is the correct number of jumps to remain current because of increased safety measures in the parachutes, that’s fine.  But, if they decrease the number of jumps due to a limitation in aircraft availability, that is a resource shortfall.

In the latter case, decreasing the number of jumps because of aircraft limitations may solve a scheduling problem, but it certainly won’t solve the safety problem – and it will certainly hurt the business in the long run.

If an organization wants to be successful in the long term, they must understand the difference between a resource shortfall and incorrect metrics – and then act swiftly to correct the error.