Here's how you can estimate time effectively when setting deadlines in creative strategy.

To estimate time effectively when setting deadlines in creative strategy, break down the project into smaller tasks and assign realistic durations to each. Factor in potential delays and buffer time. Use historical data from similar projects to guide estimates. Consult with team members to leverage their expertise and insights. Apply project management tools to visualize timelines and dependencies. Regularly review and adjust estimates as the project progresses to ensure accuracy and meet deadlines efficiently.

Imagine you’re an architect designing a skyscraper. Before you start pouring concrete, you need a blueprint. Similarly, grasp the full scope of your project—what needs to be done, how complex it is, and any special requirements.

Always plan an additional gap for unexpected delays. There will be delays. Even in the major projects delays are unavoidable. To manage the timing is not only to set exact deadlines suitable for a task but to foresee possible issues and predict the potential amount of delays, adding more time where needed beforehand, instead of managing delays as they occur.

Ever built a puzzle? You start with the edges, then fill in the details piece by piece. Break down your project into manageable tasks. This not only makes it less overwhelming but also helps you allocate time more accurately.

Think of your project as a journey through uncharted terrain. You might encounter unexpected delays, technical glitches, or creative blocks. Anticipate these roadblocks by building buffers into your schedule and having contingency plans ready.

An interesting thing from my experience is using mild leveraging. Every project is different and unique, and the issues can be common or specific. It's a great boost to learn from previous mistakes, but those lessons do not necessarily fully apply to your next project. Sometimes mild leveraging is a better idea - applying experience but considering specific features of a current project.

Avoid being over-controlling at this stage. There should be a reasonable amount of check-ins for every stage. Asking about the process every few hours is taking it too far and can only stall the process, distracting the team from actual work.

My policy is to always underpromise and overdeliver. Setting realistic goals and timelines is crucial for our team to exceed expectations consistently. One unique approach we’ve adopted is integrating feedback loops at various stages of a project, which allows us to adjust our timelines based on real-time insights rather than waiting until the end or after we've gotten behind due to roadblocks.