Should I pad my estimates?

Q: Everyone tells me to pad my project estimates. Should I follow their advice?

A: No! You should share your best, most accurate and non-altered estimates with your sponsor. Padding your estimate is adding contingency without justification. Be transparent. Share estimates with your sponsor, emphasizing that they don’t include contingency.  Then, share your recommendations for how much contingency to add based on specific risks associated with the project.

For more on project management, check out the Become a Project Manager Learning Path at LinkedIn Learning.