I'm curious about how others tackle the question, "When will you have this task finished?" This can be especially tricky when working on complex projects like replatforming or migrating services, where the scope is not always clear. I'd love to hear the different approaches people use to answer, especially when you're uncertain about what's involved.
5 Answers
When projects become complicated, I suggest prioritizing tasks based on their importance and splitting larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. That way, even if you can't provide an estimate right away, you can still show progress during sprints.
I've learned it helps to give a realistic estimate, even if it's just a best guess. If there are blocks beyond my control, I communicate those clearly. It's more about managing expectations honestly.
One approach is to first assess what exactly needs to be done before giving an estimate. You might say, "I'll investigate the requirements and get back to you with a plan and timelines." If time allows, you could also suggest a timebox for the investigation phase.
If it's my manager asking, I try to explain what's causing the delay clearly. It's important they understand the situation, even if the details can be a bit technical and might glaze their eyes over!
True! It’s like having to speak two different languages sometimes.
I recommend providing a maximum date with some margin to manage expectations. Clients might be anxious about budgeting or deadlines, so transparency here is key. I've found that keeping a record of meeting realistic deadlines builds trust.
Haha, I feel you. It’s tough when they don’t keep up with the latest changes in our field!