milestonesbut

Milestonesbut is a term used in some project management and product development discussions to describe a planning approach that treats milestones as conditional goals rather than fixed endpoints. The concept blends milestone-driven planning with explicit acknowledgment of uncertainty by attaching caveats or alternative paths to each milestone.

Origins of the term are informal. Milestonesbut does not represent a formal methodology or standardized framework; it appears in online discussions, blogs, and some startup handbooks as a way to articulate adaptive planning. Because it lacks a formal definition, meanings and practices vary among practitioners.

Core elements typically associated with milestonesbut include: a clear milestone objective and success criteria; a set of underlying assumptions that must hold for the milestone to be considered on track; explicit “but” clauses that outline what will happen if assumptions fail or conditions change; and predefined triggers to revisit or revise the plan. The approach emphasizes documenting contingencies, risk signals, and potential pivots, and it often pairs with agile or lean practices. Tools such as roadmaps, kanban boards, or OKR-based planning can incorporate conditional milestones to reflect evolving knowledge and priorities.

Applications for milestonesbut are most common in uncertain or innovative contexts, such as early-stage product development, research projects, or markets with volatile conditions. Critics argue that adding layers of conditionality can complicate governance and blur accountability if not managed with clear decision rights and transparent communication.

See also: risk management, contingency planning, adaptive planning, milestone planning, scenario planning.