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The pathology of setting a deadline to the earliest…

“The pathology of setting a deadline to the earliest articulable date essentially guarantees that the schedule will be missed.” quote by Tom DeMarco
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“The pathology of setting a deadline to the earliest articulable date essentially guarantees that the schedule will be missed.”

Tom DeMarco

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Setting the earliest possible deadline creates a self‑fulfilling prophecy of failure.

In simple terms: Early deadlines often cause missed schedules.

Key Takeaway

Set realistic timelines.

Themes

project management deadlines planning risk

Mood

cautious pragmatic

Type

professional advisory

When to use this quote

  • software development
  • construction projects
  • event planning

Key Concepts

schedule optimism psychology of deadlines resource allocation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance urgency with feasibility?
  • What buffers improve schedule reliability?
A Different Perspective

Pressure can reduce quality and morale.

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