Six signals that show up weeks before a deadline moves, and what to do about them.
Software projects rarely fail suddenly. They drift, and the signs show up weeks before the date moves. If you know what to look for, you can act while the options are still cheap.
Demos keep getting replaced by status updates
A team that is on track can show working software every one or two weeks, even if it is rough. When demos turn into slides, or are postponed until it is more complete, ask what is actually working. Progress you cannot see is hard to trust.
The same work keeps reappearing
Tickets that are reopened, bugs that return and tasks that are almost done for three weeks all point to unclear requirements or weak testing. One reopened ticket is normal. A pattern means the definition of done is not shared.
Estimates are only ever revised upwards
Estimates change as people learn. If every revision is an increase and the original date still stands on paper, the plan is no longer describing reality. Ask for a re-forecast based on work finished so far, not on hopes for the remaining work.
Decisions are waiting on someone
Look at the blocked column. If items wait days for an answer on design, access or priorities, the delay sits with the client side or with the product owner, not with the developers. This is common and easy to fix once it is visible.
Key knowledge sits with one person
When only one engineer understands a core area, the schedule depends on their health, their holidays and their notice period. Ask how knowledge is being spread, through pairing, reviews or written notes.
Quality is being traded for speed quietly
Skipped tests, rushed reviews and promises to tidy up later buy a few days now and cost weeks near the end. Ask how many known defects are open and whether that number is rising.
What to do when you see two or more
Do not wait for the next milestone. Hold a short, honest review: what is finished, what is left, what is blocking. Cut or defer scope before moving the date, and agree a smaller target for the next two weeks.