* Listen more than you talk.
* Show up with a good attitude, every day.
* Under-promise, over-deliver.
* Be consistent 100% of the time, not great 10% of the time and crappy the other 90%.
* Show up with a good attitude, every day.
* Under-promise, over-deliver.
* Be consistent 100% of the time, not great 10% of the time and crappy the other 90%.
What do I do when I'm asked how long a feature will take and the honest answer is "I don't know"? I have tried to teach myself how to create software timeline estimates; I've still not figured it out, and it seems like nobody knows how to do it.
When I tell someone that I don't know and they still press me for an answer, I usually cave and give a random guess, followed by "but I would not rely on that." I feel so dishonest lying to people's faces like that but in the moment it feels like it is the only way to get the situation to end. Should I just get a friend and practice staing steadfast in refusing to answer? Is there something I can say that isn't going to sound like I am incompetent?
Other than that every task/spec is different. I would review the task/spec then get back with them with an estimated range of time. 4 to 6 hours/4 to 6 days and tell them you'll update them on your progress as it's completed.
Once you're working on if things are going faster complete it/test it/review the spec/double check it and then present it as things went better than my estimate.
If things are taking longer, go to them early with what is completed and an outline of items that are taking longer than your estimate and have a new estimate ready for the time to overcome these challenges and complete it.
I would say relax, be a good listener and communicator, re-read specs/requirements and make sure you're complete/thorough in your work keep them informed and you should do fine.
Since you're new try to find someone you can trust, to be your mentor, show you the ropes, help you out, bounce ideas off of, give you the lay of the office/land.
In the meantime, try to break things down if you can't even start on an estimate - what are the steps involved in making Task X happen? Keep breaking those tasks down until you get to something you can estimate. That's what the estimation time you ask for is used for.