We’ve all been there. A lot. Before your next argument about a project estimate starts, take a minute to get everyone on the same page. Estimates are in important part of business AND estimates are often wrong. Yes, both of these truths can exist in the same universe!
My favorite insight from this set of articles was from John Cutler, “What job are you hiring estimation to do?” This perspective is perhaps the most valuable thing to keep in mind as your team works through your next estimate.
- This article does a deeper dive into approaches that can be used (phases of estimates, methods, etc.) and goes much deeper than smaller shops typically need to, but it should give a perspective into the world of those who really need this.
https://www.smartsheet.com/ultimate-guide-project-cost-estimating - Quick and dirty reference for more accuracy in estimates: https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/12-tips-for-accurate-project-estimating.php
- An excellent article, complete with background on agile, knowledge workers, that explains what the real intent, pitfalls and advantages of estimation are. If you read nothing else, read this!
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/mindset-estimating-planning-agile-9340 - This one is a bit longer, but an easy read. It covers why we estimate and how to estimate and a lot of that is ground that we’ve covered already but it was a good read in regards of getting a complete picture.
https://info.thoughtworks.com/rs/thoughtworks2/images/twebook-perspectives-estimation_1.pdf - A sensible argument against #NoEstimates that leads to valuing what the estimate is being “hired” to do.
https://hackernoon.com/why-do-we-estimate-6839ba295e9e