I've found the best estimates are not estimates but non negotiable deadlines with fixed outcome.
"You have six weeks to do X for $$$" or "I'll get it done in six weeks or you don't pay"
Where i work there is no penalty for being late or not hitting a deadline. Life goes on and work continues. I have seen when there are specific dates and metrics and suddenly people work in focused effort and sometimes work weekends or celebrate with finishing early.
"You have six weeks to do X for $$$" or "I'll get it done in six weeks or you don't pay"
Where i work there is no penalty for being late or not hitting a deadline. Life goes on and work continues. I have seen when there are specific dates and metrics and suddenly people work in focused effort and sometimes work weekends or celebrate with finishing early.