How do you answer your boss this question?

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

So my boss likes to ask this question a lot (not just to me but all others), I always give him a reasonably aggressive time frame assuming he just wants to know the time needed so he can plan ahead. However, it's getting a little uncomfortable these days since he didn't look too happy with my answer.

I am proficient at my job and always work hard (he knows that), the least thing I want is to set myself up for failure by giving him an aggressive deadline. I am starting to believe he is testing me with this question but anyway, how would you answer the question? I can use some help here.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: IHAVEAQUESTION
So my boss likes to ask this question a lot (not just to me but all others), I always give him a reasonably aggressive time frame assuming he just wants to know the time needed so he can plan ahead. However, it's getting a little uncomfortable these days since he didn't look too happy with my answer.

I am proficient at my job and always work hard (he knows that), the least thing I want is to set myself up for failure by giving him an aggressive deadline. I am starting to believe he is testing me with this question but anyway, how would you answer the question? I can use some help here.

Depending on the job and your responsibilities that can often be unanswerable.

I usually say, "If I work on this alone until it's completed it should take xx days, I'll let you know if I run into issues and can't meet that".
Then the next day when they send you trouble tickets, send a quick note to say that it will take you away from the project, fyi.

Managers have to have a time-chart for resources, they need an approximate number to plug in.

 

[RandomFool]

Come up with a reasonable timeframe and then add two weeks. Then just keep your boss updated on the progress and anything holding you back.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Tough one. If the answer you give is longer than they wanted it'll make you look like a poor performer. If however, the answer you give is a lot shorter time than they anticipated you've basically screwed yourself out of some goof-off time that you could have had.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

He's asking you because his bosses are asking him... all he's looking for is an answer to give the higher ups.

Be reasonable, give yourself some padding. Forward him the padded timeline so he doesn't have to work up one himself. You look good to him, he looks good to his bosses... win/win

 

[sswingle]

Add on extra time depending on how big the project is, then get it done early and look like you are awesome.

 

[Gibson486]

When he asks me, I just say straight out that I could get it done in X days, but that is no guarentee. Sometimes, however, i have no choice because the the deadline is shorter than the possible amount of time. In that case, i just cry and weep.

 

[Connoisseur]

Ahh the Scotty principle: Double the time. Seriously though, it's FAR better to give a conservative estimate and get it done ahead of schedule than to give an aggressive estimate and not meet your deadline.

 

[Lord Zado]

Depends on your position and how much your boss knows about your work specifically. If he is proficient in whatever it is that you do, then he generally will have some sort of time frame in his head. Also, if you have done a lot of similar work for him in the past, he will have a time frame in his head. This is where "always giving aggressive time frames" can bite you. If you have a history of doing things quickly, then your boss will expect things quickly.

Usually when my boss asks me "How long do you think this will take?" and I have a lot of things on my plate, rather than BSing out some answer, I ask him "When do you need it by?". His answer will help me gauge how much of a priority the assignment is. If he says something like "Oh whenever you can get to it", I'll give him a looser time frame. If he says "I need it by Friday", I'll say, "I'll get it to you by Thursday."