The media has been reporting one Commonwealth Games deadline after another being missed.
What should happen when an activity misses its deadline? Should not the activity be declared dead? The outcome of the activity ceases to be relevant after the deadline. Why else call it a deadline?
The fact is these are not even estimated dates of completion. These are just ordered from on high: "Thou shalt complete this task by dddmmyyyy, or thou art dead". It may induce fear. It certainly does not get buy in. People get very adept at passing the buck. Forget about being dead, no one is even held responsible.
Does it happen in software companies? I am sure it does. At one time it used to happen at acmet's Tools BU.
Lessons
Remember, we deal with estimates. Not deadlines.
Estimates must be made by the people who have to do the execution.
Estimate, and re-estimate, on the basis of performance till date.
Do not hide the bad news.
Learn (Do the Hansei). It is better than fixing responsibility.
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