ESTIMATES ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN YOU THINK

Summary from the TLDR newsletter

Good estimation is about creating trust and transparency. An estimate is the beginning of a conversation that surfaces hidden complexity before it becomes a problem. Estimates are valuable when they become a shared language between developers and stakeholders, as they become reference points for meaningful discussions about progress and priorities. Estimates create visibility into the work to be done, allowing managers to check in without being intrusive and creating realistic expectations. Teams that consistently deliver treat estimates as tools for collaboration rather than a source of stress. Adjusting an estimate based on new information isn't admitting defeat: it's being professional.