Ep.1620 - Stop Sending Your Best People to Fix Projects

In this episode, Jason shares a personal story about encountering toxic project management and the impact it can have on field engineers and job site teams. Drawing from his early experience at Hensel Phelps, he contrasts ineffective, condescending leadership with supportive, team-focused leadership.  What you'll learn in this episode: The dangers of classical, toxic project management styles. Why building relationships with field engineers is critical. How poor leadership can demoralize staff and compromise project performance. The difference between blaming people and creating effective systems. Lessons on what makes a project manager effective and respected. Could your leadership style be hurting your team without you realizing it?    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  

In this episode, Jason explains why needing a faster construction software update often points to a deeper flow problem. While modern tools like inTakt can provide quick data and tracking, the real issue is preventing delays and impacts upstream rather than reacting after the fact. What you'll learn in this episode: Why faster software updates do not solve systemic flow issues. How trade flow is the most critical asset on a construction project. The importance of roadblock removal, pre-con meetings, and buffers. Why upstream prevention beats downstream reaction every time. How to implement a truly lean production system. Is your team relying on software to manage delays, or are you eliminating the waste at the source to protect trade flow?   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  

In this episode, Jason discusses why sending your top performers to fix problem projects is one of the biggest mistakes a construction company can make. While it may seem like a quick solution, it demoralizes teams, wastes expert talent, and perpetuates reactive behavior instead of fostering prevention and ownership. What you'll learn in this episode: Why sending your best people to "fix" broken projects is counterproductive. How reactive problem-solving can demoralize teams and slow growth. The benefits of keeping top talent on high-performing projects. How prevention and proper pre-construction systems outperform constant firefighting. Why leadership should focus on systemic solutions rather than heroics. Are your top people creating solutions, or are they being used as a band-aid for preventable problems?   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  

In this episode, Jason discusses the critical role of a manager's presence in construction and business environments. Drawing from real-world experiences in construction projects, banking, and restaurants, he highlights why a manager cannot hide in the office or behind systems, true leadership requires being visible, accessible, and actively solving problems. What you'll learn in this episode: Why hiding as a manager is considered "cowardly behavior". How active presence empowers teams and keeps projects flowing. Lessons from field leadership and vendor engagement in Japan. How managers should balance problem-solving with team support. Why visibility and accessibility are key indicators of effective leadership. Are your managers visible, actively supporting the team, or just "checking in" from afar?   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  

In this episode, Jason explores how to apply Kanban at the crew level within construction projects. He explains how a Kanban or Scrum board can track work from backlog, to in-progress, to done, ensuring clarity and alignment across the office and field. What you'll learn in this episode: How Kanban and Scrum boards function in construction project delivery. Using boards to align project managers, engineers, and field crews. How to implement backlog, in-progress, and done columns for clarity. The benefits of crew-level Kanban for sequencing and pacing tasks. How real-time adjustments keep office and field work in sync. Are your crews seeing the work in real time and flowing efficiently or is your process creating confusion and wasted effort?   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  

In this episode, Jason dives into why continuous improvement alone cannot drive success in U.S. construction companies. While the concept of Kaizen thrives in Japan, Jason explains that most companies in the U.S. are far from ready to improve, they first need to establish the fundamentals. What you'll learn in this episode: Why continuous improvement works best in a system that is already stable and standardized. The importance of respecting people and creating safe, organized, and inclusive environments. How one-piece flow and total participation form the backbone of effective operations. Why visual systems are critical for communication and alignment. How the U.S. construction culture differs from Japan and what needs to change before improving. Are you focusing on improvement or are you building the foundation first?   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  

In this episode, Jason explores a critical lesson in construction leadership: the dangers of trying to stay busy without flow. Inspired by Hal Macomber's quote, "Don't just do something, stand there," Jason explains why pushing work without proper preparation, full kit, and coordination often creates more waste and delays. What you'll learn in this episode: Why staying busy can actually reduce throughput and increase waste. How stop, call, wait principles improve coordination and prevent rework. The importance of full kit and doing it right the first time. Why flow matters more than mere activity or resource efficiency. How to apply these concepts to make construction operations safer and more effective. Are you creating value by working, or just giving the illusion of being busy?   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  

In this episode, Jason explores the critical balance between enforcing standards and respecting trade partners. He explains why a clean, safe, and organized work environment is one of the most respectful actions a general contractor can take. What you'll learn in this episode: Why a strong system is the ultimate respect for trades. How to differentiate between enforcing standards and punishing mistakes. The importance of trade partner accountability in pull plans, pre-con meetings, and huddles. Why a general contractor must have the authority to modify contracts and replace non-performing trade partners. How following the system prevents chaos, improves flow, and supports collaborative problem-solving. Are your trades following the system or are you still punishing failures instead of enabling success?   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  

In this episode, Jason shares a personal story about how Capital One played a critical role in supporting his construction business. From helping build his personal credit to providing a substantial business line of credit, Capital One's support enabled Jason to scale operations, manage payroll, and take on larger projects, all while other banks struggled to provide the necessary resources. What you'll learn in this episode: Why small business-friendly banks matter in construction. How Capital One helped Jason build both personal and business credit. The dangers of relying on institutions that are slow or unresponsive. The role of financial partners in enabling business scalability. Lessons on credit management, lines of credit, and financial resilience. Have you ever struggled to get the right financial support for your business, even when you're doing everything right?   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  

In this episode, Jason discusses why the piecework system is fundamentally flawed, despite its long-standing use in construction. He explains how paying workers by the piece can unintentionally create unsafe, rushed, and low-quality work environments, and why this system ultimately disrespects both workers and other trades. What you'll learn in this episode: Why paying workers by the piece harms quality, flow, and safety. How piecework discourages collaboration and total participation. The dangers of batching and rushed installations. How lean principles provide a better system for crews and trade partners. Why respecting people and working in flow is essential for project success. Is your team producing results because of a system that respects people or just because they're being pushed to install more pieces?   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