Ep.1597 - The Impact of Having the Wrong Trades

In this episode, Jason delves into the complexities of lean principles and how to decide which principle to follow in the face of conflicting priorities. He explores a key dilemma with Ryan, his CFO, regarding over-processing and respect for people in the context of lean, and uses Eliyahu Goldratt's Theory of Constraints to offer guidance on how to resolve such conflicts. Jason discusses how to evaluate which lean principle will have the most significant impact on the project or the business, and he breaks down how to make decisions when faced with seemingly contradictory principles. The message is clear: it's not about blindly following all lean principles, but about applying the most appropriate one in the context of your project's current limitations. What you'll learn in this episode: How to navigate conflicting lean principles on the job. The importance of the Theory of Constraints in lean decision-making. Why some lean principles can conflict and how to resolve that. The practical approach to identifying the most limiting factor in a situation. How striving for perfection can sometimes conflict with eliminating waste. When faced with a tough decision, are you identifying the most limiting factor and applying the lean principle that will provide the greatest impact? 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 how to manage a spread-out project effectively. Whether you're working on a massive hospital or a smaller, sprawling project, Jason breaks down the approach you need to take to maintain operational control, safety, and organization. He explains that while you may need to break large projects into functional teams, a spread-out project doesn't automatically require separate functional areas. The key is logistical control getting around efficiently, staying connected, and ensuring smooth communication. From using tools like Kawasaki mules and drones to coordinating with your team, Jason emphasizes the importance of keeping the project aligned, even if it covers a large area. What you'll learn in this episode: How to manage a spread-out project without losing control. The importance of logistical planning and communication in large projects. Why having separate functional teams isn't always necessary. Tools and methods to keep your project organized, even in expansive spaces. How to use technology and team coordination to ensure safety and efficiency. Are you managing a spread-out project? How are you maintaining control and keeping things moving smoothly?   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 a critical issue in construction: having the wrong trades on your team. He explains why the key to success in pre-construction starts with choosing the right trades and trade leaders. If you're struggling with trades who aren't performing, it may be a sign of a failure in the pre-construction process. Jason discusses how selecting the right trades and ensuring they're aligned with your culture is crucial to the success of a project. Drawing from his experience with the Bioscience Research Laboratory, Jason outlines how a strong pre-construction process can help avoid the frustration of dealing with non-performing trades and sets up the project for long-term success. What you'll learn in this episode: Why having the wrong trades signals failure in pre-construction. The importance of pre-qualifying and interviewing trades before selection. How to align trade partners with your project's goals and culture. Why a good pre-construction system sets the project up for success. How the Bioscience Research Laboratory project demonstrated the value of the right trade selection. Are your pre-construction processes strong enough to ensure you have the right trades on your projects?    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 key leadership concept called "The Dilemma of Command" deciding where a field leader should spend their time. Should superintendents stay in the field? Should they stay in the office? Jason explains that the answer is neither. Great leaders must be where they are needed most. Using examples from military leadership and real construction experience, Jason breaks down how field leaders should think through the lens of the Theory of Constraints. The goal is not to look busy in the field or hide in the office,  the goal is to identify the project's biggest constraint and place leadership attention where it creates the most value. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leadership is not about being "always in the field" or "always in the office". How the Theory of Constraints applies to field leadership. What "The Dilemma of Command" means for superintendents and PMs. Why leaders must focus on the project's biggest constraint. How confidence comes from knowing you are exactly where you need to be. Are you spending your time where you feel comfortable or where the project truly needs you most?   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 clears up a major misunderstanding about work-life balance. Balance does not come from doing less, caring less, or becoming disengaged at work. It comes from becoming lean using personal organization systems, time blocking, full focus, one-piece flow, full kit, buffers, and disciplined work habits so you can perform at a high level without burning yourself out. What you'll learn in this episode: Why balance does not mean doing less. How personal organization creates freedom. Why focus and full kit matter in daily work. How lean thinking applies to your personal productivity. Why being balanced still requires commitment and performance. Are you chasing balance by doing less or creating balance by becoming more effective?   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 critical leadership mistake in construction: letting untrained or unproven team members make key decisions too early. While empowering people is essential, he explains that true leadership is not about stepping back too soon, it's about developing people to the point where they can make decisions that protect and strengthen the system. Drawing from Lean principles and insights from Japanese culture, Jason contrasts the Western "sink or swim" mentality with a mastery-based approach. He explains how promoting people before they are fully trained leads to erosion of systems, breakdown of culture, and loss of performance gains. Letting people "do it their way" without proper grounding isn't empowerment, it's abdication. What you'll learn in this episode: Why early empowerment without training weakens teams. The difference between delegation and abdication. How Lean systems erode when leaders stop holding standards. Why mastery should come before decision-making authority. leaders who can sustain excellence. Are you developing people to lead or stepping back before they're ready and hoping it works?   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 breaks down an advanced concept around "stop, call, wait" and why the word wait is often misunderstood in construction. He challenges the common habit of delaying action and makes it clear: waiting is not part of a high-performing system. Instead, true production thinking means always taking the next natural step. Jason explains that when something goes wrong, we should stop the process, call the right people, and immediately begin solving the problem, not sit idle. The goal is to restore flow with full kit, quality at the source, and a clear plan. Waiting, in the traditional sense, means doing nothing and in construction, doing nothing is never the right move. What you'll learn in this episode: Why "waiting" is one of the most dangerous habits in construction. The real meaning behind "stop, call, wait". How to always find and execute the next natural step. The role of full kit and flow in restarting work. Why progress comes from action not delay. What is the next natural step you should be taking right now and why aren't you doing 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 reflects on a powerful idea: we all have a pull in us that wants to be better. He shares how easy it is to get frustrated with poor habits, messy systems, and excuses in construction but also how important it is to remember that people are good and often just need a better path forward. Instead of shaming people into improvement, Jason challenges us to connect with that inner pull toward growth, learning, and a better way of building. What you'll learn in this episode: Why people often defend bad habits instead of improving them. How Lean begins with the desire to get better. Why shame is not the best path to growth.How personal struggles can teach us better leadership. Why every builder has the ability to rise to a higher standard. Are you defending where you are or listening to the pull inside you that wants to become 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

In this episode, Jason opens up about the real work of trying to get better as a leader. He shares honestly about sensitivity, defensiveness, emotional impact, and the challenge of leading people while still being imperfect. The message is simple: great leadership is not about pretending you never make mistakes, it is about owning your impact, apologizing when needed, and showing people that you are genuinely trying to grow. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leaders do not have to be perfect to be trusted. How emotional impact matters, even when your words are technically right. Why ownership and apology build stronger teams How self-awareness helps leaders improve over time. Why do people respond well when they see you are truly trying? Are you defending your impact or owning it so you can become a better 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 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