What happens when brilliant teams get tripped up by contract processes they never fully understood?

If you're working in construction in the UK, chances are you've encountered the NEC4 contract. And while it’s designed to encourage collaboration, transparency and proactive communication, it only works if it's used properly. Too often, I've seen smart, well-meaning teams fall into avoidable trouble, not because they’re careless, but because they don't know the NEC4 contract well enough to work with it, rather than against it.

In this solo episode I explore the essential do’s and don’ts of NEC4, highlighting what works, what to avoid, and how leadership and relationships play a bigger role than people think. This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about using the NEC4 contract to lead better, reduce risk, and build stronger teams.

I reflect on the real-world challenges I've seen on site and share practical actions you can take, whether you’re a project manager, contractor, or client, so you can avoid disputes, improve project delivery, and create a culture of trust and clarity on every job.

If you're serious about raising the standard of leadership in construction, this episode will give you actionable insights to help you do just that, starting with the way you handle your contract.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why NEC4 deserves more attention
• 00:52 – The big problem: Misunderstanding NEC4 in day-to-day work
• 01:49 – 5 essential NEC4 “Do’s”
• 05:02 – 5 critical NEC4 “Don’ts”
• 06:57 – How to lead well under NEC4: Practical steps
• 07:55 – Final thoughts: NEC4 is about people, not just process
• 08:26 – Outro and call to action

Key Lessons Learned:

• Know your role under NEC4; clarity avoids conflict
• Use early warnings proactively; they’re your strongest tool for collaboration
• Keep written records; verbal agreements won’t protect you later
• Update your programme regularly; it's central to time and cost decisions
• Don’t treat NEC4 as a legal-only document; your whole team needs to understand it

Keywords:

NEC4 contract guidance, NEC4 do’s and don’ts, NEC4compensation events, early warning NEC4, NEC4 programme management, NEC4 for contractors, leadership in construction UK, construction project managementNEC4, contract admin NEC4, NEC4 best practices

Links & Resources:

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