Hacks for engineering estimates

Shubhro Saha presents practical hacks for improving engineering estimates by focusing on communication clarity and psychological approaches. Key techniques include clarifying terminology (distinguishing between estimates, targets, commitments, and plans with the principle 'don't negotiate the estimate'), identifying estimation extremes through informal questions like 'When would you be surprised we didn't have this done?' and 'Best case scenario, what are you thinking?', noting precision by paying attention to time units and adding one unit to expressed precision for realistic expectations, and tracking confidence levels by continuously updating and communicating shifts from high to medium confidence. Engineering leaders will learn that estimates are predictions, not guarantees, and that transparent communication about uncertainties is crucial. The framework emphasizes informal, conversational approaches that often yield more accurate insights than formal estimation sessions. By focusing on understanding what causes confidence shifts and using candid questioning techniques, teams can create more nuanced understanding of project timelines and set appropriate expectations without false precision.