Ep.430 - In Sync

In this episode, Jason unpacks one of the most overlooked forces quietly destroying schedules, safety, and morale on construction projects: variation. Drawing from real field experience, lean principles, and hard-earned lessons, he explains why buffers alone are not enough and why prevention and stability must come first.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why variation is one of the biggest hidden drivers of chaos, delays, and burnout on projects. The difference between preventable and non preventable variation and why that distinction matters. How preparation, prefabrication, and pre planning create stability before work ever starts. Why relying on buffers without reducing variation is a losing strategy. How stable environments protect safety, quality, mental health, and production. As you reflect on your own projects, ask yourself this: how much variation are you unknowingly allowing, and what would change if stability became your top priority? 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  

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of what the general contractor truly owes the people on site: a safe, clean, stable, and human environment where workers feel respected and cared for. Jason reflects on real jobsite examples to show how culture, cleanliness, logistics, and daily interactions directly shape morale, safety, and pride in the work. This is not theory or fluff, it is a field-tested standard for what leadership looks like when people actually matter.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why providing a clean, safe, and organized environment is a core responsibility of the general contractor. How small, intentional acts of care create stability, trust, and pride on a jobsite. The connection between jobsite systems, worker respect, and consistent safety behavior. Why many jobsite problems are failures of systems and processes, not people. How leadership shows up daily through environment, rhythm, and human connection. As you think about your own projects, ask yourself this: if someone judged your leadership only by the environment your workers experience every day, what story would it tell? 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 short but powerful episode, Jason Schroeder shares eight Japanese philosophies that can quietly reshape how you live, lead, and show up each day. These concepts focus on purpose, patience, resilience, self-acceptance, balance, and continuous improvement, offering simple wisdom that applies just as much on the job site as it does in life.  What you'll learn in this episode: How ikigai helps you identify your true reason for being beyond work or titles. Why patience and dignity during stress can change how you experience adversity. How embracing imperfections can make you stronger and more resilient. Why comparing yourself to others distracts you from your own path. How small, consistent improvements compound into meaningful life change. Which of these philosophies could you practice today to take a better next step in your life and leadership? 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  

When someone new walks onto a job site acting like the hero, it can derail trust, momentum, and real progress fast. In this episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down the "savior" mindset, why it shows up so often in construction leadership, and how it quietly damages teams instead of helping them. This is a candid, field-tested conversation about ego, significance, and the difference between adding value and diminishing people. If you lead work in the field or support teams across projects, this message will hit close to home. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the "savior" mindset shows up so often with new leaders and where it really comes from. How playing hero hurts teams, morale, and ongoing improvement efforts. The clear difference between diminishing leaders and multiplier leaders. Why honoring the work already done is essential before trying to improve anything. What real leadership looks like on a job site: clarity, training, service, and support. The next time you step onto a project, will you try to save the team or help them become stronger? 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 Schroeder breaks down a counterintuitive but powerful idea that explains why so many projects never truly improve: money hides waste. Through real construction examples, including data centers and everyday field decisions, Jason shows how throwing money at problems masks poor systems, bad planning, and missed opportunities for real improvement.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why excess money can prevent teams from seeing and fixing real problems. How rushed, overfunded projects often abandon lean thinking and production systems. The connection between money, time, and other resources masking waste. Why solving problems without money builds better thinking and stronger systems. What Japanese craftsmanship and preservation reveal about waste and value. If money were no longer available as a quick fix, what problems on your projects would finally be forced into the open? 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 short but powerful episode, Jason Schroeder challenges a deeply ingrained leadership myth in construction: the idea that great leaders must know everything. Through real project stories, he contrasts leaders who refuse help with those who actively seek expertise and shows how that single difference can mean the success or failure of a massive job. What you'll learn in this episode: Why believing you "know everything" quietly puts projects and teams at risk. The difference between multiplier leaders and diminishers in real construction scenarios. How seeking expert help can recover months on a failing schedule. Why leadership at higher levels makes solo problem solving impossible. How shielding your team from overburden and toxicity creates stability and flow. If knowing everything isn't the goal, what kind of leader could you become by asking for help sooner and more often? 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 Schroeder tackles a common and uncomfortable problem in pull planning: losing confidence when trade durations suddenly explode in the room. He explains why sandbagging hurts everyone, including the trades themselves, and how leaders can prevent surprises before the pull plan ever starts. What you'll learn in this episode: Why sandbagging durations damages trade rhythm, labor efficiency, and project flow. How to set macro phase expectations that create confidence before pull planning begins. What information and data trade partners should bring if they want longer durations. How strong pull plan homework prevents surprises and protects team alignment. How to enter pull planning prepared, supported, and confident instead of reactive. If your pull plans keep stretching instead of stabilizing, ask yourself this: are you setting the conditions for truth and data, or allowing guesses to drive the schedule? 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  

This episode uses a simple but powerful analogy to explain why so many construction teams struggle to solve the right problems. Jason Schroeder walks through the idea of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" to show how lack of visibility creates confusion, misalignment, and missed opportunities for team genius.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why construction stress increases when work is invisible and disconnected. How visual systems unlock better conversations and smarter problem-solving. Why lean systems only work when people can actually see the plan. How bird's-eye views replace miscommunication with clarity and alignment. What practical questions leaders should ask to improve visibility on every project. If your team is capable but overwhelmed, ask yourself this: what would change if everyone could truly see the work the same way? 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  

This episode brings a heartfelt and deeply practical conversation with Jason and guest Mark Story as they unpack what it really means for construction professionals to take care of themselves and their families while building demanding careers. Together, they explore how priorities shift over time, why planning personal life with the same rigor as project planning is essential, and how leaders can protect their health, relationships, and long-term sustainability.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why personal priorities evolve throughout a construction career and how to adjust your approach to work accordingly. How intentional planning, delegation, and load-sharing help professionals avoid burnout and create space for family life. Why owning your calendar is essential for protecting health, relationships, and long-term performance. How visual scheduling, time-blocking, and early planning create clarity and reduce stress for you and your household. Why taking care of yourself outside of work ultimately strengthens your leadership inside of work. If you planned your personal life with the same discipline you bring to your projects, how different would your year and your relationships look by this time next season? 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

This episode explores a powerful but often overlooked truth in construction: your performance is only as strong as the partners and suppliers who support you. Jason shares insights from Toyota and examples from modern construction teams to show how great companies don't just demand excellence from their vendors, they help create it. By training, supporting, and collaborating with partners, leaders build a unified system where everyone wins together. If you want a healthier, more reliable, and more predictable project environment, this episode will reshape how you view your supply chain relationships. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the most effective companies invest time developing their partners and suppliers, not just monitoring them. How Toyota's approach to vendor collaboration creates high reliability, consistent quality, and predictable delivery. Why construction leaders should train, support, and educate trade partners just as intentionally as their internal teams. How open-door collaboration builds unity and eliminates the "us versus them" mentality on projects. What it looks like when owners and GCs truly work shoulder to shoulder with trade partners to elevate performance. If your success depends on your partners, what would change if you treated their growth and stability as a direct extension of your own? 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