Dealing with a team member who underestimates project time. Are you ready to address this challenge head-on?

Set clear expectations upfront: Break down tasks with specific deadlines, so the team member understands the time needed for each part. Encourage honest communication: Regular check-ins allow for early identification of issues and any need for timeline adjustments. Offer support: Provide tools or training to help them improve their time management and project estimation skills. Build accountability: Make them responsible for their time estimates and progress, encouraging ownership of their tasks. Use feedback loops: After project completion, review where time estimates went wrong to improve future predictions.

I assist my team members in determining priorities. I set up a meeting and discuss with the employees to help them recognize need to act. I believe establishing realistic time limits and communicating deadlines are really important. I set clear expectations and goals and provide coaching if necessary.

I review past projects to identify patterns and quantify time underestimations. Next, I discuss the impact on team workload, deadlines, and overall project success. Together, we set realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and establish milestones with buffers for unexpected delays. I also provide training on estimation techniques, such as three-point estimation or agile planning poker. Additionally, I encourage the team member to reflect on their workflow, identifying potential inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Through regular check-ins and progress monitoring, I ensure accountability and adjust our approach as needed.

The first step is to address the issue directly but constructively. I review past projects with them to highlight the gap between estimates and actual time spent. Together, we break down future tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier to estimate accurately. I also encourage using time-tracking tools to give them a clearer picture of where their time goes. Setting buffer time for unexpected delays can help prevent underestimation. Throughout this process, I provide coaching to help them develop better time-management skills and set more realistic expectations.