Do programmers like to create deadlines? Im a web developer, and schedules/deadlines are all over the place in my field. But I've worked with some software engineers/programmers who hate deadlines, is there a way around that?
Firstly, you need to distinguish between deadlines and estimates.
- Deadlines come from external sources, eg, "Feature X needs to be ready for the trade show".
- Estimates come from internal sources, eg, "Feature X will take N weeks to complete".
Generally, programmers should create estimates, and sales/marketing will create deadlines.
Problems occur when the two cannot be resolved - if the deadline is closer than the estimate.
Helpful hints for dev (leads):
- Let the person doing the work create the estimate.
- Ensure estimates are based on tiny tasks, each no longer than a day or two.
- Use a feedback loop to let developers improve their estimation skills.
- Accurate estimation skills lets you push harder against deadline demands.
Helpful hints for marketers / deadline creators:
- Don't override an estimate with a deadline.
- If a deadline conflicts with an estimate, the only real options are (a) developers work overtime, (b) the requirements for the deadline are trimmed, or (c) the deadline is missed.
- Explain why the deadline is important, and what the purpose of the feature deadline is ("customer X will sign a six-figure contract").
- Understand that people who feel they cannot meet aggressive deadlines will not be motivated.