Ep.1461 - Japan Series - If One Person is Not in Line, We Are Zero

What's really holding construction back, the lack of tech, or the lack of truth? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Jason sits down again with Charles McKenna to take on some of the hardest questions in the industry: Why are we so slow to adopt technology? Why do so many tools make life harder instead of easier? And how did we go from the most productive generation in history to one that's proud not to learn? This is not your typical "innovation in construction" talk. Jason and Charles dig into: Why software companies are chasing investors instead of improvement. How America's "money first" mindset is destroying quality. The myth of "too many apps" and why refusing to learn is killing growth. The real reason behind the trades shortage (and it's not what you think). Why general contractors, not trades, hold the key to fixing the system. Jason pulls no punches. From tech burnout to cultural decline, from immigration policy to jobsite respect, this episode challenges every leader to face the uncomfortable truth: we've lost our discipline to learn, our courage to stop bad systems, and our respect for people. If you care about the future of construction, this is the conversation you can't afford to skip. Listen now. Get uncomfortable. Get inspired. And start building better.    If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if the smartest move on your project wasn't pushing harder but stopping? In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most powerful and most misunderstood Lean principles from Japan: Stop, Call, Wait. Born from the Toyota Production System, this practice teaches that when something feels even slightly off, you stop the line, call your team, and wait until it's fixed before any defect moves forward. It's the opposite of Western "push through" culture and Jason doesn't hold back on why that mindset is breaking our projects, burning out our people, and burying us in rework. Through stories from Japan, lessons from Toyota, and real construction examples, you'll learn: Why "pushing through" costs you 100x more than stopping early. How to build a culture where people don't fear stopping the line. The connection between Stop, Call, Wait and not blaming people. Why loving your workers, truly loving them is the foundation of Lean leadership. This episode will challenge how you think about productivity, accountability, and leadership on the jobsite. Because real excellence doesn't come from speed, it comes from the courage to stop, fix, and protect your people and your process. Stop the line. Call your team. Wait until it's right. That's how we build remarkable.  If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

The Power of Point and Call: Mastering the Last 5% Most of us start strong but fall short in the final stretch. What if the secret to excellence isn't doing more, but finishing better? In this episode, Jason shares a life-changing lesson from Japan's rail system the "Point and Call" method. It's a simple habit that trains your brain to see, speak, and complete every task with precision. From construction sites to your daily routines, this one practice can eliminate errors, build discipline, and lock in the dopamine hit of finishing well. Jason breaks down how the Point and Call helps crews close loops, leaders strengthen flow, and individuals build pride in their work, the "last five percent" that separates average from remarkable. If you've ever struggled to follow through, this episode will change how you think about completion forever. Listen now and learn to finish what you start.    If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Everybody wants instant pudding. But real improvement? That takes time. In this Japan Series episode, Jason breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths about lean: it's not a quick fix, it's a lifelong evolution. Through stories of Japanese temple builders who plan 200 years ahead, and lessons from Deming and Toyota, Jason explains why lasting excellence doesn't come from one big "revolution," but from consistent, long-term commitment to improvement. Still, there's a catch. Before you can evolve, you have to start on the right foundation. That means installing the right operating systems, Takt, Last Planner, and First Planner, fast and decisively. Revolution builds the baseline. Evolution keeps it growing. If you lead a construction company or project and you're ready to build something that actually lasts, this episode will show you how to do it. Listen now and start playing the long game. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

If one person on your team is off, your whole team is off. In this Japan Series episode, Jason unpacks the powerful lesson from Mr. Yabe, the leader behind the Shinkansen's "Seven-Minute Miracle." His message? If 100 people give their best but one person doesn't, the team's effectiveness drops to zero. Through stories from Japanese rail crews and real construction projects, Jason explains why great culture isn't built instead of rewards and swag, it's built through them. Talk to your people, care about them, give them pride in their work and cool tools, recognition, and shared wins. The key is total participation. Because if you have 100 team members minus one, you don't have 99, you have zero. Listen now and learn how strong cultures lift everyone, together. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if your problems are the best thing that ever happened to you? In this Japan Series episode, Jason dives deep into a truth most leaders avoid, problems aren't punishment, they're potential. From broken school systems to broken job sites, from national complacency to daily construction chaos, Jason calls it like it is: we've forgotten how to learn, improve, and take responsibility. But here's the good news, every challenge is an invitation. To innovate. To cooperate. To rally together instead of tearing each other apart. This episode connects lessons from Japan, Deming, and decades of jobsite experience to one clear idea: Be happy when you have problems because they show you where to grow. If you lead teams, build projects, or just want to see America (and our industry) rise again, this one will light a fire in you. Listen now and start turning problems into progress. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if lean isn't about process charts or takt times but about how you move through the world? In Japan, there's a word for it: Meiwaku - "Don't be a burden to others." It's not a slogan. It's a way of living. In this episode, Jason shares how that single mindset seen everywhere from clean job sites to silent train rides could transform how we build, lead, and live. From teaching his kids one-piece flow at Spirit Halloween to calling out everyday chaos on construction sites, Jason unpacks how awareness, respect, and space-consciousness can reshape entire project cultures. If you've ever wanted a job site with real flow, fewer arguments, and more human connection… this is the concept you've been missing. Listen in and learn why "don't be a burden to others" might be the most powerful lean principle of all. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Ikigai: The Joy of Doing the Work Well Ever met someone who finds pure joy in their work, no matter how simple the task? That's Ikigai - a Japanese concept meaning "your reason to get up in the morning." After traveling to Japan with Paul Akers, Jason saw how deeply this idea runs through their culture whether in how they trim trees, clean dishes, or lead teams. In this episode, he breaks down what Ikigai really means for builders and leaders: how to design your processes so they're not just efficient but enjoyable. Discover why struggle isn't a badge of honor, how clean systems create flow, and why finding joy in the work itself might be the most powerful form of leadership there is. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build with purpose, lead with respect, and rediscover the joy in what you do. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if every great builder, no matter the project or material, is really doing the same three things? In this episode, Jason rides along with Iron Mark's Alex Nolan for a candid, in-the-truck conversation about the mindset that separates good builders from great ones. From carpentry apprenticeships to field engineering, from superintendents to mechanics, they trace every trade and leadership skill back to one timeless foundation - Plumb, Level, and Square. You'll hear: Why carpenters make some of the best superintendents and leaders in construction. How mastering the fundamentals translates into any career or trade. The hidden art of negotiation every great superintendent practices daily. What happens when sequence, precision, and mindset all align. Why "good people are good people" and how to find and grow them on your team. If you've ever wondered what separates a chaotic jobsite from a high-performing one, this episode nails it: everything starts with fundamentals. Listen now and rediscover why Plumb, Level, and Square still build the world. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if the secret to world-class quality isn't technology but pride? In this episode, Jason unpacks the Japanese concept of Monozukuri - the deep pride and craftsmanship that drives excellence in every detail of work. From the story of Japan's Seven-Minute Miracle cleaning crews to the engineering perfection of the Shinkansen bullet train, Jason reveals how love for the customer, pride in your craft, and acknowledgement of people create unstoppable performance. You'll hear: How one leader turned a team of burned-out cleaners into national heroes through Kaizen. Why "acknowledging your people" might be the single most powerful productivity tool. How friction, frustration, and lack of respect destroy craftsmanship on U.S. job sites. The simple daily practices that can reignite pride and quality in construction. And why every worker deserves to give their hands, head, and heart, not just their labor. If you want to lead teams that love their work and deliver excellence worth clapping for, this episode is your blueprint. Listen now and rediscover what pride in craftsmanship really looks like. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw