Communication and negotiation

Question 1

How would you go about negotiating?

Answer 1

1. Prepare for the negotiation in advance
2. Ensure that both parties have the information they need to make a decision in advance
3. Don’t hide information and use it on the day – send in advance
4. Understand your tolerance (Know what you can agree / negotiate – what you have reported in your cost report)
5. Know what you cannot concede to

Question 2

Can you talk me through the change you negotiated for Devonshire Row?

Answer 2

Acoustic floor change

Change was to install additional resilient layer and acoustic board into the floor build up due to acoustic requirements that wasn’t defined in the ER’s

Contractor wasn’t using the same rates they allowed for plyboard in the CSA

I review the contractors costs and informed that the valuation rules should be followed and they need to use contract rates where possible

I assessed the the contractors materials costs for the resilient layer and sound board and allowances for installation and agreed the value of the change

Question 3

When chairing meetings what do you do?

Answer 3

Agendas

Record minutes and issue following the meeting and check everyone is happy with the notes / actions

If there is a follow up meeting review existing minutes

Question 4

How has communication changed in the past few years?

Answer 4

Lots more teams calls

Pros - meetings can be arranged quickly

Cons - sometimes not as productive as face to face and generally I think most people feel there are too many meetings now and less down time to focus

Question 5

If the contractor doesn’t agree with you on a valuation , how do you go about this?

Answer 5

Has to be fair and reasonable assessment