Estimating projects is a specialized skill that involves art and science. Navigating scope definition, assumption, resources, dependencies with overall timelines and cost is a complicated endeavor. Ultimately, these estimates are predictive models of the execution. So who make the best estimates, forecasts and models…project managers, scrum masters, resource managers, product owners? Some of the strong qualities I see are:
- Understand the big picture. A skill often acquired with experience, understanding the goal of the effort is key to successful execution.
- Asking the right questions, and knowing who has the right answers. Having a deeper understanding of the project, as well as knowledge of the key people, is important towards shaping the plan.
- Possessing a consistent approach towards building the estimation model. A critical component, having a framework will save time and ensure high quality of the estimate/
- Good communicator. While important to construct and compile estimates, it’s equality important to communicate the estimate meanings. This includes distilling the key points, pressure testing, discussing alternative scenarios, and articulating risks
What other key traits are important?