To get great estimates from your team, it starts with a simple definition. What does done mean? When you ask someone, “How long will it take you to build the house?” there is ambiguity. One contractor may say one year, one may say three months. How do you know which one is right? If the definition was set in the beginning that done means ready to move in, then the contractor would not have said that they were done in the first place.

Make sure everyone understands what they are being asked to estimate and you will arrive at better estimates. This also allows you to set what done looks like when the project is complete. When each person has finished her task, what will it look like when it is done? In the house-building example, if the scope wasn't set properly, the house that is built may not be what was envisioned. A great result for a project means beginning with the end in mind.