Chapter 2

Promise the date they want, or the real one?

Hứa ngày khách muốn nghe, hay ngày tôi làm được?

The chapter's question

On what basis do I promise a handover date?

Big idea

The promised date should come from real durations plus contingency, not from the client's wishes.

In this chapter

  1. Part 2.1

    Real Duration per Item

    How many days did this item take last time?

  2. Part 2.2

    How Many Buffer Days

    How many contingency days do I add, and do I hide them or state them?

  3. Part 2.3

    Holidays, Rain, and Absences

    How many days a year can I not work at all?

  4. Part 2.4

    A Range or a Date

    Is giving a date range better?

The reading for this chapter is inside Conan School

This chapter has 4 readings, with case stories and exercises. Chapter 1 of Keeping to Schedule is free to read right here.

Read in Conan School

Chapters of Keeping to Schedule

  1. 1.Late because of slow work, or waiting?
  2. 2.Promise the date they want, or the real one?
  3. 3.Why does the job freeze when I'm busy?
  4. 4.Admitting delay early: losing face, or keeping clients?
  5. 5.Another job: more profit, or more delays?