Yep, these days I tend suss out the estimate the person is looking for because the relationship is actually more important to my career longevity. I mean, the estimate is very likely wrong anyway, so they might as well be happy for a bit!
This works because almost never is the true scope of the work known when the ask is made, so it is usually pretty easy to say later "hey, blah blah blah wasn't taken into account for the estimate." Having a good relationship from step one makes it pretty easy to carve out the extra time.
There are some more lizard brained people who play hardball, but as long as I was nice in step 1, my VP handles them. Not sure what I would do if I didn't have a decent VP!
This works because almost never is the true scope of the work known when the ask is made, so it is usually pretty easy to say later "hey, blah blah blah wasn't taken into account for the estimate." Having a good relationship from step one makes it pretty easy to carve out the extra time.
There are some more lizard brained people who play hardball, but as long as I was nice in step 1, my VP handles them. Not sure what I would do if I didn't have a decent VP!