Expectations management is probably the most underrated skill in the world. (Cough Obama Cough.) The problem isn't the idea of underpromise and overdeliver, it'

Expectations management is probably the most underrated skill in the world. (Cough Obama Cough.) The problem isn't the idea of underpromise and overdeliver, it's not realizing this is about expectations management (it's also about only thinking of the idea in terms of customers -- your team needs to be treated well too). First of all, pad estimates realistically, add contingency estimates, trade off deliverables against shortened schedules, and then you're in a position to underpromise and overdeliver and not screw yourself. Oh yeah, and don't deliver early, ever. Wrong axis to exceed expectations on. Deliver more features than originally promised, or more polish. Never create expectations of faster delivery, you shoot yourself in the credibility.