Re:Software Estimation Games
by pnathan on Wednesday March 11, 2015 @01:29PM
(#9185287)
I had many long discussions with a previous boss about estimates. What it boiled down to is this:
* He is on the hook for certain things to be done, and is being asked when they will be done.
* I don't have enough data to tell him in such a way that the organization can plan around it. Anything I tell him is purest moonshine and unicorn hair. Sometimes it relates to reality.
* If I give an estimate, I am essentially passing dishonesty through the organization. I am lying to him.
This did not go over well. We compromised: I gave a order of magnitude WAG. Which, at the least, gives meaningful information and probably isn't wrong.
* He is on the hook for certain things to be done, and is being asked when they will be done.
* I don't have enough data to tell him in such a way that the organization can plan around it. Anything I tell him is purest moonshine and unicorn hair. Sometimes it relates to reality.
* If I give an estimate, I am essentially passing dishonesty through the organization. I am lying to him.
This did not go over well. We compromised: I gave a order of magnitude WAG. Which, at the least, gives meaningful information and probably isn't wrong.