#198: Estimation vs the punitive target
Better ROI from Software Development15 Tammi 2025

#198: Estimation vs the punitive target

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development.

In this episode, I wanted to highlight the emotional baggage that you developers may associate with estimation, and through no fault of your own, will carry that baggage into future estimation work.

In the episode, I look at the psychological scarring left behind from decades of using estimates as punitive targets.

Like most experienced developers, I've worked in organisations that turn estimates into punitive targets - where a well-meaning estimate has been turned into a commitment, and ultimately, a stick to beat the team with.

Now that stick has ranged from the aggressive to the passive, be it threats of dismissal or simply discussing the failure to hit the estimate.

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Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folder.com/podcasts/198

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