12/08/2026
ARE WE ALWAYS ON OUR BEST BEHAVIOUR?
In recent decades, there has been an increasing belief that collaborative procurement and delivery models automatically provide superior project outcomes.
The accuracy of that proposition will vary depending on the project, the model, the circumstances, and importantly, the people involved.
Regardless of your experience with collaborative delivery, one thing is difficult to dismiss:
Behaviour matters.
Collaborative models provide a deliberate and structured environment intended to encourage cooperation, align objectives and better allocate and manage risk.
But behaviour remains one of their fundamental pillars.
In fact, behaviour is a fundamental pillar of every delivery model.
Alliance. PPP. IPD. EPC. Fixed price. Open book.
The commercial structure may change, but ultimately projects are still delivered by people.
So, do we place enough emphasis on actively managing behaviour throughout project delivery?
In our experience, no.
We're not simply talking about project charters, behavioural commitments made at mobilisation, or a team-building exercise at kick-off.
We mean a continuous and proactive focus on behaviour throughout delivery โ observing it, challenging it, reinforcing what works and addressing what doesn't.
It means creating an environment where information can be openly discussed, assumptions challenged and difficult conversations held constructively, before positions become entrenched and decisions happen behind closed doors.
Across our experience in Alliance, PPP, IPD, traditional, EPC and other delivery environments, Hayden Blaze has seen the difference that positive, constructive behaviour can make.
From recognised collaborative models, through to traditional fixed-price arrangements managed with transparency, openness and a genuine best for project mindset, the contract can establishe the framework, but behaviour will always influence what happens within it.
Behavioural psychology and specialist behavioural facilitation are not Hayden Blaze's core business. However, we love working within positive behaviour based environments and have suitably skilled partners across our regions who can complement the project team.
We will happily make introductions.
Our role is to bring independence, experience, challenge and perspective to the table. We also recognise that how we engage, can be just as important as what we advise.
If we're going to challenge the behaviour of a project, we must be prepared to challenge our own.
After all, our behaviour is every bit as important as yours.
