Agile Done Right

Agile Done Right


Mastering Estimation

December 27, 2025

Podcast listeners enjoy our free guide to overcoming team anti-patterns:

Accelerate Agile Success with Free Anti-Pattern Guide | Alacient


In this episode of Agile Done Right, Michael Renna discusses the critical role of estimation in Agile methodologies, emphasizing its importance for predictability, time to market, and stakeholder confidence. He explores various estimation techniques, including relative estimation and planning poker, and highlights the significance of team-based estimation practices. The conversation also delves into the challenges of estimating at different organizational levels and provides practical tips for improving estimation accuracy and effectiveness.



Takeaways


Estimation is about forecasting, not precision.

Relative sizing is much better than trying to do time estimates.

Estimation is team-based, not individual.

Velocity is a trend, not a commitment.

Focus on value, not just effort.

Avoid false certainty in your estimates.

Break down work for better clarity.

Estimation evolves with learning.

Don't weaponize estimates; they're planning tools.

Continuous refinement is important for effective estimation.