Collaboration or Combat? Find Out Your Contracting Style with this Short Quiz

Instructions

For each scenario, choose the response that most closely reflects how you (or your organisation) would typically act. 

Variation Requests

 A client requests a change that isn’t clearly covered in the contract. 

1. Sit down together, explore impacts openly, and suggest options to minimise cost/time.
2. Immediately price it at the highest defensible rate and insist on formal approval before proceeding.

Programme Delays

 You encounter an unexpected site condition causing delays. 

1. Notify the client quickly, propose mitigation strategies, and share progress updates.
2. Wait until the impact is undeniable, then lodge a claim citing entitlement.

Dispute Resolution

 A disagreement arises about scope interpretation. 

1. Seek an informal discussion first, aiming for a “win-win” compromise.
2. Escalate to formal correspondence, quoting contract clauses to protect your position.

Risk Sharing

 A risk emerges that wasn’t fully priced or allocated. 

1. Work with the client to share the burden fairly, focusing on project success.
2. Push to shift the risk fully back onto the employer under contract wording.

Communication Style

 How do you typically communicate progress/issues? 

1. Open dialogue, regular updates, and transparency about challenges.
2. Only what is required in writing, keeping information controlled.

End Goal

 What best describes your mindset during a project? 

1. Delivering the project successfully while maintaining strong relationships.
2. Maximising contractual entitlement and protecting against loss.

Early Warnings

 When you spot a potential issue that could impact time or cost: 

1. Raise it early so solutions can be found before it escalates.
2. Hold back until it’s clear it can be claimed formally.

Subcontractor Relationships

 How do you manage subcontractors on-site? 

1. Treat them as partners, working collaboratively to resolve site issues.
2. Push them hard on compliance, costs, and liabilities to protect your own position.

Payment Practices

 If the client is slow with payment: 

1. Discuss cash flow openly and agree on a plan to keep the project moving.
2. Stop works or issue notices immediately to enforce payment.

Project Completion

 At project close-out: 

1. Focus on delivering a clean handover, resolving defects quickly, and maintaining goodwill.
2. Use the opportunity to push final claims and defend against liquidated damages.

Scoring

Mostly A’s → Collaborative Contractor

You focus on relationships, shared goals, and long-term trust.

Mostly B’s → Adversarial Contractor

You focus on strict contractual rights, formal claims, and protecting your position.

A mix of A’s and B’s → Situational Contractor

You adapt depending on circumstances. Be mindful: overusing adversarial tactics erodes trust, but blind collaboration risks financial exposure.