Total time
High total time points to repeated business impact, even when each query feels only moderately slow.
Query path
Query optimization starts by finding the SQL that affects real work.
A small business does not need every database theory term on day one. It needs to know which checkout, booking, inventory, or report path is putting pressure on the database.
Mean time
High mean time points to heavy individual queries that may block important workflows.
Temp writes
Temp files can signal sort or join pressure that deserves EXPLAIN review.