In the world of software development, accurate project timeline estimates are crucial yet challenging due to pressures from various stakeholders, including product managers, business leaders, and even personal biases. When estimates are compressed due to external pressures, such as the desire to accelerate release timelines, it can lead to rushed development, resulting in incomplete features and customer dissatisfaction. The article suggests that engineering leaders should focus on maintaining accurate estimates and explore strategies such as reducing project scope and using productivity metrics to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders. It also emphasizes the importance of planning and modularizing projects to mitigate unforeseen delays, known as black swan events, and warns against the pitfalls of ego-driven underestimations. By striving to provide accurate and realistic estimates, engineers can help ensure smoother project flows and maintain trust within the organization.