Roadmap Chess: Estimation Error & Buffer

<1>The Lesson: Buffers & Priorities</1> - In a rigid plan with no buffer, every small delay triggers a cascade effect, pushing all subsequent tasks back. - Flexible planning focused on priorities ensures that critical goals are met, even when estimates are inaccurate.

In complex environments, estimates are always subject to uncertainty. When we try to schedule 100% of capacity, we leave no room for variance (Murphy's Law).

Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. But the inverse isn't always true: when time is missing, quality or deadlines suffer.

Filling gaps with less important tasks creates new dependencies. If a low-priority task is delayed, it blocks the next important one. In contrast, frequent progress updates allow for pulling in the next important items if work is finished earlier than planned.