Introduction

On August 19, 2025, I gave a presentation titled "Project Management is a Dialogue with Uncertainty" at Midosuji Tech#7 held at Classmethod's Osaka office.

What is Midosuji Tech??

Midosuji Tech is a study group for IT technology held at Classmethod Inc.'s Osaka office. It's a community where people freely discuss and talk about interesting technologies, trending technologies, and technology in general.

Each session has a specific theme, so please join us when a topic interests you!
https://classmethod.connpass.com/event/361522/

Summary in 3 lines

Project management is a dialogue with uncertainty

The 0.25x to 4x error in early project estimates is a "structural" issue, and gaps in perception are normal. No one is to blame.

Differences in "what's obvious" due to different positions create perception gaps

The ordering side and contractor side have different perspectives (Goal vs Process) and knowledge bases, so the same words can have completely different meanings.

By dialoguing in the order of WHY→WHAT→HOW, uncertainty can be transformed into certainty

The real role of a PM is to be a "translator" and "dialogue facilitator" who thinks together with the team.

After the presentation

Although it had been a while since my last presentation, it was a great opportunity to organize my thoughts about the essence of project management. During preparation, I revisited the classic book "Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art" regarding the "cone of uncertainty," and through developing my explanations, I was able to verbalize my daily practices.
It had also been a while since I attended an event, and I learned a lot from listening to presentations by other speakers. There was much to learn from their practical examples and failure stories from their respective workplaces, giving me new perspectives.
Next month, DevelopersIO 2025 Osaka will also be held, and I'm looking forward to learning a lot more!