#HowIPM Avoiding the Velocity Fallacy

Episode notes

Renata McCurley, experienced digital product and transformation leader, shares how to rethink one of product management’s most misused metrics: velocity. Velocity without context creates the wrong incentives, burns out teams, and hides the true value being delivered. In this episode, Renata explains how to shift the focus back to outcomes, transparency, and real business value. Renata’s keys to avoiding the velocity fallacy: 1. Understand that velocity is just one datapoint. It never tells the full story. 2. Pair velocity metrics with actual deliverables and business outcomes. 3. Keep transparency alive by talking about what was delivered, for whom, and why it matters. 4. Never use velocity as a tool for pressure or punishment. It destroys trust. 5. Lead conversations that prioritize value over point totals, especially when working with stakeholders. Velocity can be a helpful signal, but only when it is grounded in context. Focus your team and stakeholders on impact, not chasing numbers.