Extreme Contracts: Knowledge Work from Negotiation to Collaboration — International Edition

In the dynamic world of knowledge work, millions negotiate contracts using traditional methods, inadvertently fueling their own professional frustrations. Time-centric contracts that neglect the true value generated, filled with convoluted clauses that lead to lengthy negotiations and wasted time - contracts that, at their core, lack trust.

Enter "Extreme Contracts," a groundbreaking method that shatters the limitations of traditional contracts. Crafted from years of practical experience, it presents innovative negotiation tactics that empower every knowledge worker to engineer win-win situations for themselves, their clients, and users.

Jacopo Romei, an industry veteran and innovator, is your guide through the labyrinth of complexities, bureaucracies, and countless lost hours. With Extreme Contracts, he leads you towards the freedom that every knowledge worker craves: the autonomy to work when, where, and with whom they want.

Say goodbye to the darkness of contractual inefficiency and step into the sunlight with Extreme Contracts — where value, flexibility, and trust define the future of knowledge work.

Who is this book for

"Extreme Contracts" is designed for knowledge workers in the digital industry, such as project managers, consultants, UX professionals, and agile coaches. It's particularly valuable for those aspiring to leadership or consultancy roles where mastery in contract negotiation is essential.

If you possess basic project management skills and even a slight familiarity with agile and lean methods, this book will significantly enhance your professional toolkit.

What is this book for

"Extreme Contracts" serves as both a comprehensive guide and a practical reference tool.

Initially, you'll read it to grasp the fundamental concepts and principles. Later, it will become an essential resource in your library for contract negotiations, overcoming professional relationship challenges, and innovating your approach to contractual agreements.

By applying its insights, you can expect to see improvements in efficiency, client satisfaction, and the overall success of your projects.

By the end of this book, you will understand:

• The limitations and challenges of traditional contract models such as time-and-material and fixed-price contracts;
• The eight principles of Extreme Contracts and how to apply them to real-world scenarios;
• Strategies for negotiating contracts that prioritize delivering value, rather than merely quantifying time spent;
• Insights into fostering trust and transparency in professional relationships;
• How to tailor agreements to suit the specific context and dynamics of a project or partnership;
• The common traits of successful collaborations, illustrated with concrete examples.

By the end of this book, you will be able to:

• Integrate the eight Extreme Contracts principles into your agreements, moving beyond the limitations of traditional contract models;
• Negotiate with clients and partners with a focus on value delivery, shifting away from an emphasis on time or effort expended;
• Draw inspiration from a collection of success stories, helping you to craft solutions that are sensitive to your own unique contexts.

About the author

Jacopo Romei is a seasoned professional in the digital industry, boasting nearly three decades of diverse experience. His career journey, from an early developer to an entrepreneurial leader and a key figure in organizations like eBay, has given him a broad perspective on knowledge work. His roles as a consultant for industry giants such as Siemens, FAO, and Lavazza have further enriched his understanding of this field's unique challenges and opportunities.

In 2012, Jacopo embarked on a quest to redefine negotiation and contracting in knowledge work. He tapped into his extensive experience to formulate eight groundbreaking principles that challenge and transform traditional contracting norms. His innovative approach, advocating for a decoupling of value delivered from time spent, offers a fresh perspective on contract agreements in knowledge work.

Jacopo not only preaches these principles but also practices them in every professional agreement, embodying the change he proposes. His ability to relate as a fellow knowledge worker resonates in his writing, which blends practical advice with real-life experiences. His methodology has earned endorsements from thought leaders in the lean and agile communities, empowering hundreds of professionals to negotiate more effectively.

His original book in Italian garnered widespread acclaim, resonating with thousands and receiving glowing reviews. Now, with this English edition, Jacopo aims to extend his influence, continuing his mission to revolutionize the world of knowledge work, one contract at a time.

Join Jacopo Romei in embracing a new era of negotiation in knowledge work, where contracts are not just agreements but catalysts for innovation and mutual success.