Comments for Effective Estimating and the Courage to Push Back at http://www.projecttimes.com , comment 1 to 6 out of 6 comments http://www.projecttimes.com Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:28:01 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.projecttimes.com/george-pitagorsky/effective-estimating-and-the-courage-to-push-back.html#comment-393 Yes, I think there are many push backs that are not well thought out and that do not offer positive ways to accomplish project objectives. As I say in the original post, "We use objectivity to overcome irrationality." That means that, as you say, "beliefs must be based on more than mere wishful thinking." We need to use effective estimating and scheduling techniques that take into consideration the realities of resource availability and risk to get a real understanding of what can be done with what probability of success. Then we have confidence that "it can be done." with that confidence we can get it done. We don't want to perpetuate the heroics based performance that abounds in many environments and at the same time we want to push the edge and operate at sustainable peak performance. - George Pitagorsky Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:29:52 +0100 http://www.projecttimes.com/george-pitagorsky/effective-estimating-and-the-courage-to-push-back.html#comment-392 Too many push backs are merely negative reactions without having any positive response to offer. Contrary to popular perception, concentrating on all the reasons something can’t be done, which is what most pushback is, is unlikely to reveal a way that it can be done. In effect, typical pushback is part of a self-fulfilling prophecy that others sense and the backpusher doesn’t—“it’s going to fail and I’ll prove it.” In order for one’s mind in fact to be open to ways to succeed, one has to start from the sincere belief that “it can be done and I’ll make it happen.” That belief needs to be based on more than mere wishes and is much different from merely mouthing what you think the boss wants to hear while saying to yourself that “of course you must realize it can’t actually be done.” These are difficult concepts to accept, especially by experienced project managers who indeed do push back and then are surprised when they (1) aren’t listened to and (2) are further frustrated when again their extra efforts delivering a project that’s late, over-budget, and wrong aren’t appreciated. These concepts repeatedly have been proven in a wide variety of peak performance situations. - Robin Goldsmith Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:00:05 +0100 http://www.projecttimes.com/george-pitagorsky/effective-estimating-and-the-courage-to-push-back.html#comment-388 I agree that courage alone is not sufficient. Complaining (see my January newsletter at www.Pitagorskyconsulting.com for an article on that subject) and whining is not what I am talking about. Objectivity, supported by a well developed estimate based on past experience is what is needed to push back effectively. This is in line with your second point. However, there are many people who, even with a good reason for it, will not push back. Whether there is a way to achieve the desired result (point 1) depends on the situation. If one does not have a way, it is best acknowledged so that, if a way is possible, one can be found. Regarding point 3 - while commitment to deliver is very important, and the emotional element does help the argument, beware of the tendency to try to "make it happen" only to over commit yourself and your resources and end up late, over budget and/or delivering a shoddy product. It is best to be realistic and committed to delivering what can be delivered in time frames cost constraints that enable sustainably high quality work. - George Pitagorsky Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:26:42 +0100 http://www.projecttimes.com/george-pitagorsky/effective-estimating-and-the-courage-to-push-back.html#comment-387 Too often people have plenty of courage to push back in kneejerk fashion which is equally automatically but nonetheless rightly disregarded as mindless negativism. Before one can be listened to, one first must be believed. Predictable whining, albeit couched in professionalism, that estimates are "impossible" irrespective of the fact situation does not lead to believability. Rather than merely having the "courage" to push back, to be believed, one must: 1. Have a way to achieve the desired end result. 2. Have a factual description of what it will take, which is not the same as saying it can necessarily be accomplished in the desired time/budget. The business/sponsor can make a rational decision about how much they are willing to pay for only when that decision is based on getting to the desired result. 3. Demonstrate commitment to delivering the results--"I will make it happen." This emotional element is essential for making the intellectual estimate element believable. - Robin Goldsmith Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:19:33 +0100 http://www.projecttimes.com/george-pitagorsky/effective-estimating-and-the-courage-to-push-back.html#comment-382 Thanks for your comment - George Pitagorsky Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:16:17 +0100 http://www.projecttimes.com/george-pitagorsky/effective-estimating-and-the-courage-to-push-back.html#comment-380 George, thank you for an effective blog on the direct gather effort. This courage is often overlooked and reduces rework. Going across levels, requires real courage in developing accurate requirements. Estimate gathering is relatively painless, but when the requirement exceeds expectation from cost or time it is the cross collaboration, the cross negotiation, and the reverification that requires as a best practice a firm posture. Not a posture of authority, but one for clarity and precision. The one to say no I do not understand so lets restate, helps establish the cost, the work and the essential time and materials. In either case when you receive the push back from any and every level, whether sponsor or user. You must elicit the rationale and the substance for a requirement for the user and from the vendor or internal resource on the estimate. It might be simple, but the presentation technique has to cut through the communication mismatches of the audience. When you are clear and tailor your message to the desire of the client in terms and significance, effective solutions are a higher result. - NIraj Kapadia Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:28:44 +0100