Communication & Negotiation

Question 1

What skills do you need to communicate effectively?

Answer 1

Clarity, emotional intelligence, speech, empathy

Question 2

How do you ensure that the frequency of communication is acceptable?

Answer 2

Discuss with the client prior to the project on the level of communication, i.e weekly calls.

Question 3

What are the different ways you can communicate with clients?

Answer 3

Phone, email, meeting

Question 4

When would you choose to use written communication over verbal communication or a face-to-face meeting?

Answer 4

When there are queries where a paper trail would be useful

Question 5

What barriers to effective communication have you come across?

Answer 5

Workplace conflict. Inability to listen to others.

Question 6

Tell me about your negotiating style.

Answer 6

Find an outcome that leaves both parties satisfied. Understand who you are negotiating with.

Question 7

Why is negotiation important?

Answer 7

It creates value and can resolve conflicts.

Question 8

What is principled negotiation?

Answer 8

Interest-based approach focusing on conflict management and conflict resolution.

Question 9

What can be a barrier to negotiating effectively?

Answer 9

Overconfidence or lack of, ill preparation, lack of trust, cultural barriers

Question 10

What would be a good way to facilitate negotiations in your role?

Answer 10

Asking open-ended questions, ensure the other party understands the overall benefit.

Question 11

Why do you consider that discussing matters in person might be effective?

What are the alternatives to this?

Answer 11

Pick up on non-verbal cues and body language. Helps with emotional intelligence.

Online – Zoom etc

Question 12

Why can these alternatives present challenges?

Answer 12

Network issues, too many people talking at once.

Question 13

Tell me about how you communicate effectively (and responsibly) using social media. What do RICS set out as best practice for the use of social media?

Answer 13

Watsapp group chats. Ensure all language is respectful.

Question 14

What RICS guidance is social media best practice set out within?

Answer 14

‘Use of social media: guidance for RICS members (effective June 2021)

Question 15

How do you use visual media to communicate with clients, e.g. before & after photographs?

Answer 15

In presentations, brochures

Question 16

Tell me about how you conduct yourself in negotiations.

Answer 16

I agree my clients’ objectives prior to negotiations. Detailed research & preparation. Understand the other party’s position and create a constructive environment. Maintain communication.

Question 17

Tell me about how you ensure good communication.

Answer 17

Regular meetings, open channels, effective oral & written communication. Strong presentation skills and understanding when each is applicable.

Question 18

Tell me about an example of when you have negotiated effectively.

Answer 18

Agreement of the top ups on Greenwood. Timescales on The Florence Building, Corum wanted 15 working days.

Question 19

Tell me about an example of when you have communicated effectively.

Answer 19

Reporting on potential projects via email.

Question 20

Tell me about your negotiating style.

Answer 20

Understanding and informed prior to this.

Question 21

Give me an example of when you have communicated using a complex written report.

Answer 21

Reporting on the market. Setting the report out with good formatting and correct English & grammar.

Question 22

Oxford Science – explain your use of the IRS.

How did you use a RAG analysis within this?

Answer 22

Weekly calls, traffic light system.

Traffic lights based on interest.

Question 23

Cheltenham – how did you negotiate the fee?

Answer 23

Fee basis set out via email and agreed by the client.

Question 24

How did you negotiate the sale price?

Answer 24

Client objectives, market value and evidence.