Interface Negotiation Workshops

2.

Interface RelationshipsThe problematicIneffective or sub-optimal interface relations between individuals, professional disciplines and organizational entities, are thesingle most frequent cause of delay, non-quality, cost increase, tension and general loss in today’s business world.

Whether between Board Members, inter or intra team project contributors, subcontractors or administrative services, taking timeto clarify interface expectations is a necessary requirement to meet. If not, at some point; quality, planning and costs will benegatively impacted, locally or globally.

The effects of pressure to meet objectives in tightly limited time frames, budgetary restrictions, distance between contributors,increased complexity and cultural misunderstanding ―all combine to create “ good reasons” notto take the time to clarifydeliverable expectations and thus present the best of professionals with a dilemma, often forcing an unwanted choice between :

• subjugating the need for clarification to the personal satisfaction of showing the strength to keep going undera heavy work load and being visibly productive on one hand, and

• on the other ―acting on the need for clarification and appearing to be uncertain, while slowing down a stretchedproduction flow and taking the time to clarify what is assumed to be clear,

Most often the first option of is chosen and the need for clarification goes unanswered. Thus one continues working whiledeliverable requirements are not met in an effective or optimal manner, value is not created, and “re-work or fall-back solutions”are introduced to remedy the gaps.

3.

Interface IntelligenceValue creating relationshipsAn effective manner of overcoming these problematic and dilemma, is to install regular interface review and optimization as anAccepted “Organizational Ritual” rendering it normal to clarify and providing the time required to build working relationships thatcreate value.

Workshop solutionThe overall intention of the offered workshop to identify, negotiate or optimize interface expectations. It can be implemented :

• at project start up,• while a project is running, or• as part of any operational or administrative process

This workshop approach is also applicable to operational themes such as:• proposal development• complex report development• system engineering• establishing department KPIs• workload estimation• quality issues• resources staffing

Etc.

4.

Interface WorkshopsBenefits, RoIParticipants can gain in several ways from the time invested in this workshop :

• team building & team member development

• greater awareness of what other team members perceive as effective team/interface behavior (workshop activity handout )• enhanced knowledge of interface partner’s operational constraints

• learning in exchange ( problems encountered/solutions implemented/up-coming potential problem/collaboration needed )• improved interpersonal interaction skills applicable both professionally and personally

• giving and receiving interpersonal feedback, including explicit requests for Leadership Support

• broader more systemic view of the targeted theme ( all contracts developed are shared with the whole group )• interface contract ( workshop outcome/product – written moral contract between interface partners explicitly stating how

they will work to mobilize their interface intelligence within the frame of the chosen target theme )

Management/Leadership gains :• instrument (s) for management follow-up

• less need for “Micro Management” = more time for Leadership

5.

Interface Workshop Concept & Process

Prototype value creating relationship: Joint Implementation PlanWhat – Why – Who – When/ Self monitored/ Management monitored

Second phase: Joint NegotiationInterface Contract / Written Mutual Agreement

First phase “Face to Face” : Joint Disclosure & DiscoveryPerceived responsibilities/ Expectations/Feedback & Improvements

confront / Vision of most appropriate for both sides confront

Workshop opening: Management InterventionWhy we are here/ Chosen target themes/ Outcome required

Program presentation: Consultant InterventionInterface concept / Operational & Behavioral / Disclosure & Discovery

Effective team and interface behaviors: Group ActivityPerception of – Transparency- Commitment- Proactive-ness /Interpersonal communication skills

Prepare interface negotiation : Individual or Team ActivityPersonal responsibility/ Operational expectations &

Behavioral expectations / Feedback & Improvements/Vision of most appropriate outcome for both sidesDuration:

• 2 to 2.5days