Communication & Negiotation

Question 1

Which forms of communication are you aware of?

Answer 1

• Verbal either in person or via telephone.
• Non-verbal such as body language, eye contact, gestures and appearance.
• Written for example e-mails and letters.
• Presentations.
• Video conference.

Question 2

What are the barriers to effective communication?

Answer 2

• unclear delivery of speech.
• International language barriers.
• Bias.
• Interruptions and distractions

Question 3

Please explain to me your approach when negotiating in
challenging circumstances?

Answer 3

• In the first instance I undertake detailed research on the matters under consideration and form an opinion.
• I will then look to compile supporting documentation as substantiation to any claims.
• I will discuss with the client and project the negotiable items which can be conceded in addition to the non-negotiable items.
• During negotiations I try to develop a partnering approach rather than an adversarial one.

Question 4

What makes a successful negotiation?

Answer 4

• Preparation and collating supporting documentation.
• Each party should get the chance to present their case in a calm forum.
• Identification of bargaining positions and politely making proposals.
• A swift confirmation in writing on what was agreed at the meeting and confirmation on
  what items still need to be actions and by whom.
• A confirmation of next steps to bring the negotiations to a close.

Question 5

What happens during a negotiation meeting?

Answer 5

• Both parties should be allowed to discuss their position on the claim items being discussed and their reasoning for their position.
• All parties should look to maintain professionalism, remain calm, acting with respect and courtesy at all times.
• Once the negotiation items are agreed they should be put in writing as soon as possible.

Question 6

What are your thoughts on using e-mail as a form of communication?

Answer 6

• E-mails carry the same legal value as a letter and contracts can be inadvertently created by e-mail.
• We must therefore be very careful with regards to the content and form of the e-mail communication.
• I am always sure to communicate in a professional manner even if other parties do not.

Question 7

How do you communicate with the client on the projects you work on?

Answer 7

• I communicated with the client on the HTA project through teams calls and onsite meetings.
• I ensured to try and attend any meetings in client offices as face to face meetings were important to client.

Question 8

Give me an example of a negotiation you have been involved in?

Answer 8

• I first reviewed the tender submission to make a fair and reasonable assessment of the allowances on the Google Expansion Project.
• I challenged the contractor on a number of scope items and sent him via email my queries to review. We then met in person to talk through the differences in costs and come to a mutual agreement.

Question 9

What did you challenge in the contract sum on the google expansion project?

Answer 9

• Within the contract sum the main point of contention was the WC costs in the landlord space.
• As WeWork were in fact the landlord with the space being leased, these costs should of been there responsibility not my clients.