>As a result, we would stop logging progress at ~80% of our goals, which was the threshold to qualify for your bonus
I feel like you're stating this as "Look how silly KPIs are!", but your CEO is correct. The issue isn't the KPIs; it's the team members who are willing to intentionally game a system in conflict with overarching company goals.
There's nothing magical about KPIs. It's data. How you apply it matters. If your team wants to take advantage of it for selfish reasons, there's nothing stopping them.
I feel like you're stating this as "Look how silly KPIs are!", but your CEO is correct. The issue isn't the KPIs; it's the team members who are willing to intentionally game a system in conflict with overarching company goals.
There's nothing magical about KPIs. It's data. How you apply it matters. If your team wants to take advantage of it for selfish reasons, there's nothing stopping them.