Contracts Should Work for Everyone: Simplifying Agreements for Better Administration

Contracts are essential tools for defining and managing relationships in the built environment. Yet, too often, they are written in ways that leave the very people responsible for executing them scratching their heads. At Beyond Consulting, we frequently hear clients ask, “What should I do in this situation? What does my contract say?” These questions stem not from a lack of diligence but from contracts that are overly complex, filled with dense legal jargon, and hard for the untrained eye to interpret.

When this happens, it is usually too late to prevent complications. Misunderstandings or mismanagement of contract terms can lead to delays, disputes, or even financial losses. The solution? Draft contracts that are simple, practical, and designed to be understood and administered by those who must act on them daily.

Why Simplify Contracts?

Contracts should not be the exclusive domain of lawyers. While legal expertise is invaluable, the reality is that business managers, project leaders, and frontline teams are the ones who commit to agreements, request bids, handle disputes, and manage change. They need to understand what they are signing up for and how to comply with those obligations effectively. Complex legal language creates barriers, making it harder to administer contracts and increasing the risk of mistakes.

The Proactive Solution: ADAPT!

At Beyond Consulting, we champion a proactive contracting approach built on simplicity, clarity, and usability.

• Adapt to the context to ensure the goal. Draft agreements that align with the specific project, client, and industry.

• Think of the readers of the agreement, make it easy for them. Contracts should be understandable by business professionals, not just legal experts.

• Think about avoiding discussions instead of winning them. Focus on solutions that prevent disputes rather than creating leverage for future battles.

• Anticipate everything you can. Address foreseeable challenges within the agreement to reduce uncertainty.

• Provide mechanisms to solve the topics that may become issues. Include processes for resolving unforeseen challenges.

• Know the business. Tailor the contract to reflect the practical realities of the work being done.

Keep It Simple, But Effective

Simpler contracts are not about cutting corners. They are about ensuring the agreement fulfils its purpose: enabling smooth collaboration and compliance. Here’s how:

• Clarity Over Complexity: Replace convoluted legal terms with plain language.

• Visual Aids: Use flowcharts or visuals to outline key procedures and decision points.

• Focus on Balance: Draft terms that work for all parties and encourage mutual compliance.

• Practical Guidance: Address what you can, and provide mechanisms for what you cannot foresee.

From Complexity to Clarity with Beyond Consulting

When Beyond Consulting drafts agreements, we ensure they are not just legally robust but also easy to understand and implement. And when we inherit existing negotiated contracts, we distill the key aspects into actionable, user-friendly formats for our clients.

Contracts are tools for achieving business goals, not barriers to them. By creating agreements that are simple, clear, and usable, we empower consultants to focus on delivering services, managing relationships, and achieving success.

At Beyond Consulting, we don’t just draft contracts - we craft solutions. Let us help you create agreements that truly work for everyone involved. Reach out to us to learn more.