🚨 “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that the very successful say ‘no’ to almost everything.” — Warren Buffett
As software professionals, learning to say no (or at least “not yet”) to impossible timelines is a survival skill. Too often we agree just to keep our managers happy, even when we know the goalposts are unrealistic. The result? Stress, rushed work, and sloppy planning—none of which helps the team or the product.
Jack (Manager): “Jed, can we have the login page by tomorrow?”
Jed (Developer): “Uh… sure, I’ll try.”
Jack: “Perfect—thanks!”
Looks pleasant enough, right? Unfortunately:
Jed already suspects the task is impossible.
Jack now believes Jed is committed.
No one clarified scope, requirements, or blockers.
That single word—“try”—has just planted a time-bomb of misunderstanding.
Jack: “Jed, I need the login page by tomorrow.”
Jed: “Building the full login page will take at least two weeks.”
Jack: “The architects said three days!”
Jed: “They estimated before the requirements were final. My updated spec is on the wiki—did you get a chance to review it?”
Jack (looking anxious): “The customer demo is tomorrow. I need something to show.”
Jed: “Let’s scope it down: I can deliver a basic screen where users enter a username and password and click Login. No password reset, no banners, no help links—just a functional form. Will that cover the demo?”
Jack: “So they can log in?”
Jed: “Yes—authentication only.”
Jack: “Deal. You’re a lifesaver, Jed.”
What changed?
Truthful estimate: Jed states a realistic two-week timeline.
Scope negotiation: Together they trim the requirement to an achievable slice.
Shared understanding: Both walk away with the same expectation.
Replace “I’ll try” with a clear estimate. Vague promises breed disappointment.
Negotiate scope, not reality. Split large deliverables into demo-ready slices.
Document assumptions. Point managers to the spec or backlog item that supports your estimate.
Protect your craft. Quality, planning, and sanity all start with one honest word: no.
