Solving team challenges in the introduction of value analysis/ value engineering VA/VE

Seminar for graduates of the VM1/ VM2/ VM3 Programs

Summary:

Introducing value analysis / value engineering (VA/VE) in organizations can lead to a wide range of team challenges, including misunderstandings, resistance, and difficult conversations. This seminar supports participants in analyzing such situations in a structured way and addressing them with a solution-oriented approach.

Participants learn how to distinguish between facts, expectations, and interests, and
how to use this understanding to conduct clear and effective conversations.

Through practical exercises and peer case consultations, participants develop
concrete solutions for their own challenges and increase clarity, commitment, and
effectiveness in collaboration — enabling the sustainable integration of VA/VE into
the organization.

Objectives:

This module enables Value Engineers to recognize challenges in team collaboration
and in the introduction of VA/VE tools at an early stage, analyze them systematically,
and address them in a solution-oriented way. The objective is to clarify difficult issues
clearly and respectfully before they escalate or negatively impact performance.

If conflict situations have already arisen, participants learn how to de-escalate and
resolve them constructively.

Participants learn not to evaluate problems prematurely, but instead to distinguish
between observable facts, unmet expectations, and underlying interests. This creates
a solid foundation for effective conversations.

A key focus is the structured setup of conversations in difficult situations. Participants
practice clear communication processes — from initiating the discussion to
clarification and clear agreements.

In addition, they develop a results-oriented approach to dealing with dismissive
arguments and personal attacks. They learn how to neutralize such patterns, redirect
discussions back to the issue itself, and at the same time set clear boundaries.

By the end of the module, participants will conduct difficult conversations more
confidently, resolve conflicts more quickly, and increase clarity and accountability
within their teams.

Additional note:

On the first evening, participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas and
network in a relaxed atmosphere. Since all participants face similar practical
challenges, they particularly benefit from learning from one another’s experiences.

This exchange of experiences broadens perspectives and strengthens the transfer of
learning into everyday work situations.

Seminar design:

The seminar follows a highly practice-oriented approach. Short theoretical inputs
provide structure and communication frameworks, while the main focus lies on
practical application and exercises.

Participants work with real-life cases from their own professional environment. In
moderated practice sessions and peer consultation formats, they develop concrete
next steps based on structured conversation guidelines.

The goal is not only to understand methods, but also to gain confidence and clarity
for handling real and demanding workplace situations.

Seminarinhalt:

• Recognizing challenges within teams: distinguishing symptoms from root
  causes
• Systematic analysis: facts, expectations, interests
• Structured conversation design: clarifying objectives, agreements, and
  sustainability
• Dealing with dismissive arguments and diversion tactics
• Practical exercise: peer consultation based on real collaboration cases

Target group: 

Managers, project managers, functional team leaders, scrum masters, and other leadership roles — suitable for both new and experienced leaders.