Why Estimation Sucks.
When your attention goes to numbers, you’re missing the point.
Originally published in GoRetro
It’s 08:45; Ivar, the Product Owner of Team Jorvik, opens the computer and quickly scans the Product Backlog. He shuffles some items as the backlog refinement is about to begin. At 08:57, Ivar starts the call; he is a bit tense because the last session was anything but pleasant. It’s 09:03, and Björn joins. They talk about random things for a couple of minutes until the rest of the team arrives. Already annoyed by the delay, Ivar gets even more worried because no one comes. Finally, at 09:14, everyone joins, and the session begins.
Ivar: “Guys! Today, we’ve got several items to refine. But don’t worry about some of them; we may only start working in four or six months, but I need your estimate.”
Harold, clearly irritated, interrupts Ivar: “Sorry! We have a lot to take care of right now, and you want to bug us about things we won’t be implementing in the upcoming months. Please, let’s focus!”
Ragnar: “Plus one!”
Björn: “Plus two!”
Ivar: “Well, I understand you’re busy, but we’ve got to talk about these things sooner or later. But OK, let’s focus on what’s critical. Our service desk team is overloaded, and they can no…
