The focus on KPIs is relentless and can lead to frustrating results. Half the quarter is spent debating how the KPI should be calculated; remaining half of the quarter focussed on achieving it. Next quarter a new KPI becomes the focus after an 'ask' from senior management and everyone now goes after chasing that - previous KPIs are then forgotten about. Such short term focus (and then how people are judged performance wise) means people are only focussed on getting through each quarter rather than thinking long term on what is best for the company. A common motivation technique at senior management is to use 80% stick, 20% carrot. Everything is terrible, rubbish, needs work - when teams feel at rock bottom the carrot is used: 'oh actually you're doing well in challenging circumstances.' Repeat cycle.