Ep.1589 - Total Participation Requires Total Connection

In this episode, Jason continues the conversation with Joe Doherty on The 10 C's, focusing on numbers 6 through 10. Joe explains how great superintendents complete on time, contain costs, continuously improve, check their ego, and command the standard. This conversation shows what real field leadership looks like: driving the work forward, protecting people, reducing waste, staying humble, and holding the line on quality, safety, cleanliness, and organization. What you'll learn in this episode: Why completing on time requires purpose, planning, and flow. How superintendents help contain costs by eliminating waste. Why continuous improvement is a core leadership responsibility. How checking your ego helps teams perform better. Why commanding the standard sets the tone for the entire project. Are your daily actions reinforcing the standard or quietly allowing the project to drift? 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 the vital connection between total participation and total connection on construction projects. He asserts that in order to create a successful project, you must have the full involvement of every team member, and that begins with making personal connections. Drawing on examples from his own experience, as well as insights from his books, The Fixer and Patton: A Pattern for Superintendents, Jason emphasizes that the morning worker huddle is the cornerstone of establishing that connection. It's not just about giving orders, it's about creating a space for workers to see, know, and act as a team. Jason goes on to call out those who downplay the significance of the morning worker huddle, stressing that without connection, you cannot have participation, and without full participation, there's no way to achieve a truly lean project.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why total participation is impossible without total connection. The importance of the morning worker huddle in building that connection. How human connection drives project success and leads to lean practices. Why disrespecting the morning huddle undermines collaboration and project outcomes. The role of effective communication and team-building in a successful construction project. What's standing in the way of getting everyone on your project to fully participate? Could it be a lack of real connection? 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 addresses a common mistake in project planning: combining or copying poll plans across different towers or sections of a construction project. He explains that each train of trades needs its own dedicated poll plan to ensure team buy-in, identify specific constraints, and optimize work for each unique zone. Jason emphasizes that when you copy poll plans, you fail to address the physical and crew constraints specific to each area, which can lead to misaligned expectations, poor communication, and unnecessary stress. Jason shares that when workers contribute to a separate poll plan for their area, it helps them connect with the project and feel a sense of ownership. This, in turn, leads to positive stress (eustress) rather than negative stress, which is key for high performance. He also explains the importance of optimizing constraints and having targeted conversations for each section to ensure the team is well-prepared and aligned. What you'll learn in this episode: Why combining or copying poll plans across sections can harm the project's efficiency. How creating a separate poll plan for each train of trades fosters team buy-in and ownership. The importance of addressing specific constraints and problems in each zone. How proper poll planning leads to better communication, buy-in, and less stress. The role of poll plans in building people, not just systems, on construction sites. Are you building your teams and systems by customizing poll plans, or just copying what works for one zone to another? 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 a critical yet often overlooked issue in construction: staging materials on a freshly placed concrete deck. He highlights the inefficiencies and risks associated with overcrowding the deck too soon with reinforcing bars and other materials. Jason shares his frustrations with seeing work areas being unnecessarily filled with materials before proper layout and tasks are completed. He outlines five key rules that can completely transform deck construction processes, increase safety, and save valuable time. By sticking to these rules, Jason emphasizes the importance of working smarter and respecting the product you're building to avoid unnecessary rework and wasted time. What you'll learn in this episode: The dangers and inefficiencies of staging materials on a freshly placed deck. Why you should avoid the "set it and forget it" approach to materials on the deck. How to keep your concrete decks organized, clean, and ready for success. The importance of coordinating with all trades and following lean principles. How the right planning and prep work on a concrete deck can save rework and ensure smoother operations. How much more efficient could your deck work be if you only brought what was needed, when it was needed? 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 deeply personal and tragic story to make a critical point about construction site safety: get out of the swing radius. He recounts the heartbreaking loss of his mentor's son, who was killed when he was struck by equipment on a job site, an avoidable tragedy that haunts Jason to this day. Through this painful experience, Jason urges all construction workers and leaders to take site safety seriously and never allow anyone to work within the swing radius of equipment like backhoes or blades. Jason emphasizes that what's "normal" or "accepted practice" on construction sites isn't always safe, and simple changes in behavior can save lives. He shares statistics from OSHA and other agencies that highlight the frequency and severity of struck-by and caught-between injuries and stresses the importance of maintaining a safe distance from operating machinery. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the swing radius of heavy equipment is one of the most dangerous hazards on a construction site. How small mistakes and lack of awareness can lead to fatal accidents. The importance of setting clear boundaries around machinery and enforcing safety protocols. What "normal practice" can be deadly in construction if safety is overlooked. How to ensure no one is in harm's way by staying out of the swing radius. How much longer will we accept dangerous, outdated practices that put people at risk just because "that's how it's done"? 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 emphasizes a crucial leadership truth: your way of doing things is only valid if it actually works. He explains that on a construction project, if things are disorganized, unsafe, or inefficient, it's not a matter of personal preference, it's a matter of poor leadership. Jason shares insights from his books, The Fixer and Patton: A Pattern for Construction Superintendents, to illustrate how a superintendent's responsibility is to create order, discipline, safety, and effective communication across the project. Jason tackles the harsh reality that some superintendents avoid the discipline necessary for success, allowing messes, missed opportunities, and failure to become the norm. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leadership in construction means enforcing discipline and order, not just doing things "your way". How personal preferences become irrelevant if they don't lead to successful outcomes. The critical role of a superintendent in keeping projects organized, safe, and on schedule. Why "my way" is not valid unless it works, backed by results Insights from Jason's books The Fixer and Patton: A Pattern for Construction Superintendents. Are you leading your team with discipline and effective systems or just hoping things will work out? 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 tackles the damaging impact of arrogant and cocky project managers (PMs) on construction projects. He shares an insightful story of a PM who, through their negative mindset and behavior, created more problems than solutions. Instead of being a supportive enabler for the team, this PM became a bottleneck that led to delays, bullying, and unnecessary roadblocks. Jason makes the case that a PM's job is to clear the path, pay trades on time, handle contracts, and create a culture of collaboration, not to enforce ego-driven control. He also argues that arrogant PMs not only harm relationships with trades but damage the project as a whole, making life difficult for everyone involved. What you'll learn in this episode; Why a project manager's arrogance can be a major project liability. The importance of humility and leadership in a PM's role. How cocky behavior can lead to unnecessary delays and roadblocks. Why a project manager should act as an enabler, not a dictator. The responsibility of PMs in managing contracts and paying trades on time. How toxic PM leadership hurts the owner's reputation and project outcome. PMs who are driven by ego and arrogance are a major hindrance to any project, they must shift from being a boss to a servant leader. 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 tackles a hard truth in construction: too many people are trying to make bad practices look acceptable or even admirable. From messy job sites and constant overtime to pushing instead of planning, he explains how untrained systems and ego-driven mindsets lead people to defend poor performance instead of improving it. Jason challenges leaders to stop normalizing dysfunction and instead define construction excellence through cleanliness, organization, emotional intelligence, and proper production systems like Lean and Takt. What you'll learn in this episode: Why people often try to justify or normalize poor construction practices. How bad systems, not bad people create dysfunctional behaviors on projects. Why pushing, overtime, and chaos are not signs of good leadership. The role of the superintendent in setting the tone for project success or failure. What true construction excellence looks like in practice. Are you elevating the standard or just helping bad practices look acceptable?   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 corridors and level one should usually be treated differently in a Takt plan instead of being lumped into the same rhythm as the rest of the floor. He shares why these areas take more abuse from traffic, often need a strategic "start-gap-finish" approach, and are better handled as exit zones or final zones so the rest of the work can stay clear, leveled, and flowing. The goal is not just protecting finishes, but also sending the right visual signal to the team that the floor is truly progressing in an organized way. What you'll learn in this episode: Why corridors often need to be treated as separate exit zones in a phase. Why level one is usually better handled differently because of traffic and wear. How a start-gap-finish sequence can protect rhythm while still allowing progress. Why getting corridors to drywall, tape, bed, finish, and prime can create the right mental signal. How strategic comeback work is better than an unplanned, irresponsible return later. Are you planning your corridors and level one to truly support flow or just hoping they survive the traffic?   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 where constraints and roadblocks belong inside the Takt Production System and why getting that right makes the whole project more visual and more actionable. He shares the key distinction that constraints are system problems that should be identified and optimized by the end of the pull plan, while roadblocks are temporary issues that show up in the way of the train of trades as work progresses. Jason also introduces a powerful idea: if the Takt plan shows the system and the path of critical flow, then it should also visibly show the constraints that are limiting that system. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between constraints and roadblocks in the Takt Production System. Why constraints should be identified and optimized during the pull plan. Why roadblocks belong on visual zone maps and in a roadblock log. Why constraints should be shown directly on the Takt plan. How this approach supports Theory of Constraints thinking and faster project flow. If your system is only as fast as its biggest constraint, are you making that constraint visible enough to improve 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