[DrScientist]

Sure metrics can be gamed - I just wanted to acknowledge that some roles - like a forecourt car salesmen - the metrics are closer to performance reality than others.

An example of a near perfect metric is performance in an individual sport.

Your time in the 100 metres is your time in the 100m ( drug cheating aside ). However obviously that's the exception rather than the rule.

And those judgement things - like whether you are a team player etc ( you get the most sales, but that's in part by stealing them from others or actively sabotaging them ) - can also be really important ( but also unfair - they play golf at the same club ).

End of the day if a company isn't promoting on the right criteria, you are probably better off leaving - as the company isn't going to do so well long term, and your talents may be better recognised elsewhere.

That's also a judgement.