When you pad an estimate, you typically increase your estimated effort/cost due to fear. I call this estimating from a place of weakness. You are afraid of the unexpected event, so hopefully padding it will cover it. When asked why you think something might take 50% longer or cost more than expectations, it leads to […]
I love this metaphor to help leadership, management and project teams all see the forest for the trees. Here are the key points I share: Nobody will remember the turbulence, if the plane arrives on time and in the right city! I used to fly quite often. One of my frequent destinations was New York. Depending […]
Throughout the Getting Predictable blog, I talk about alignment. For many, the word “alignment” is a bit vague. Does it mean we agree? Does it mean I actively support you? If I don’t actively support you, but I don’t block you either, am I “aligned” with you? As it relates to projects, doesn’t alignment simply […]
Recently, we’ve introduced Commitment Based Estimation to a couple of our software teams. Typically, this helps a team provide highly-accurate estimates. These teams go on to deliver successfully by meeting these estimates.
In this blog I usually write about best practices that help set teams up for success. That is really what Getting Predictable is about.
How about a project glossary that is used to explain the intention of a word, not just to define it? Learn how a project glossary can help create alignment.
Change controls don’t mean that the project has to go off the rails. Check out some of these best practices to manage and implement change.
Learn the difference between visibility and transparency in order to ensure alignment and project success.
It’s all in the phrase: From the Start. How the Getting Predictable℠ Best Practices got started.
Discovery vs. Definition. Learn how creating clear goals that everyone is in agreement on can help your projects succeed without excessive rework.