Live in reality

Rice needs 15 minutes. And if you didn't prepare it you will have to wait for 15 minutes until it's ready. In the kitchen the laws of physics apply and we would be idiots to argue that rice can be cooked in one minute or less.

But if you listen to executives talking a project you often get the feeling that it's a competition about who is coming up with the most ridicolous estimation.

Don't be like that, be like a chef that knows rice takes 15 minutes. Be prepared and be honest. If you know you'll be late, let people know. The same goes for projects, deadlines and more.

Don't wing it, be like a chef, be honest with reality. Your team will thank you.