December 1, 2025

Metrics in Software Engineering: Friend or Foe?

Metrics aren’t the problem. You are. For years, engineers have hated metrics, but what if the real issue isn’t the numbers… it’s how they’re used? In this episode, Duncan Mapes and Jason Ehmke dig into why many engineers roll their eyes at metrics, the traps leaders fall into when measuring productivity, and how to shift the conversation toward continuous improvement. They challenge conventional thinking, arguing that metrics can transform engineering culture if leaders stop using them as surveillance tools. They break down how to measure without micromanaging, why team-level data beats individual stats, and how metrics can expose, not punish, weak spots in your delivery process.