As project managers, we should try to get along with the people around us. That does not mean we have to always agree with them, but we also should not intentionally look for opportunities to anger and upset people. Romans 12:18 tells us, If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” This verse does not say it will always be possible, but we should try.
An executive who is sponsoring a project has critical decisions to make. They have to decide how to allocate resources between all the projects under their control. If ongoing projects are falling behind schedule and costs are increasing beyond those planned, the sponsor needs the relevant intelligence to decide whether to shift resources from one project to another. Most sponsors handle these estimating situations smoothly and professionally. However, there are sponsors who use high-pressure tactics. These sponsors often use the following statements:
Any experienced project manager should be able to give me a…
