Ep.1547 - Buffers Are NOT Shared Float

In this episode, Jason delivers a clear and direct message: If TAKT doesn't work, it means you're not pre-planning. TAKT is not just a production rhythm tool it's a preparation system. It requires pull planning months ahead, strong pre-construction meetings, look-ahead planning, aligned supply chains, full-kit readiness, and disciplined roadblock removal. When those pieces aren't in place, teams fall behind and blame the system instead of fixing the preparation. Jason also shares leadership advice for builders stepping into larger roles, emphasizing health, relationships, people-centered leadership, and long-term legacy. Because strong production systems only work when strong leaders build strong environments. What you'll learn in this episode: Why TAKT is a preparation system not just a schedule. The critical role of pre-planning and roadblock removal. Why firefighter leadership kills production flow. The power of reciprocal relationships with trade partners. How to build a people-centered leadership foundation early in your career. If you find yourself saying "TAKT doesn't work"… Are you truly planning ahead or reacting from behind? 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 misconception: buffers are not shared float.When using the TACT Production System, buffers are intentionally built into phases to absorb risk and protect flow. They are not schedule contingency. They are not float. And they are not automatically owed to the owner under "shared float" contract language.Jason explains the difference between contract float and production buffers, why buffers belong to the contractor and trade partners, and how to ethically and transparently manage them within the framework of a project agreement. He also addresses concerns about legal language, time impact analysis, and how to have the right conversations with owners. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between buffers, float, and contingency. Why buffers are phase-specific risk protection. How shared float clauses do not apply to buffers. The importance of transparency and good-faith communication. How to protect flow while staying ethical and contractually sound. Buffers protect production. Protect them wisely. 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 powerful concept: lore the unwritten traditions and "common knowledge" passed down in construction that often go unquestioned. The problem? Much of it is wrong. From the belief that you can only pick two of three cost, schedule, or quality to the idea that the solution to being behind is simply to push harder, Jason explains how these false traditions quietly shape behaviors that hurt projects, damage relationships, and limit performance. He challenges leaders to think critically about what they've inherited, question long-held assumptions, and replace outdated lore with production principles, respect for people, and flow-based thinking that actually works. What you'll learn in this episode: What "lore" is and why it spreads in construction. Common industry myths that sabotage performance. Why pushing harder doesn't fix bad planning. How false traditions block innovation and respect. The importance of questioning assumptions to elevate the industry. This episode is a call to think critically, challenge tradition, and build better systems instead of repeating inherited mistakes. 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 a powerful concept inside the TACT Production System: using buffers in pace with the Remaining Buffer Ratio. Buffers are not contingency. They are intentional protection for specific phases of work and when used correctly, they eliminate rushing, pushing, and panic. The key is not whether you use buffers. The key is how responsibly you use them. Jason explains how the Remaining Buffer Ratio helps teams decide when to consume buffer and when to recover time another way  replacing traditional CPM tools like float reports, S-curves, and earned value metrics with something practical, visual, and flow-based. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between schedule contingency and phase buffers. What the Remaining Buffer Ratio is and how to calculate it. Why buffers must be used in pace not all at once. How this KPI replaces slippage reports and float tracking. How to make buffer usage responsible and transparent. Are you managing buffers with intention… or reacting when it's too late? 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 a powerful concept inside the TACT Production System: using buffers in pace with the Remaining Buffer Ratio. Buffers are not contingency. They are intentional protection for specific phases of work and when used correctly, they eliminate rushing, pushing, and panic. The key is not whether you use buffers. The key is how responsibly you use them. Jason explains how the Remaining Buffer Ratio helps teams decide when to consume buffer and when to recover time another way replacing traditional CPM tools like float reports, S-curves, and earned value metrics with something practical, visual, and flow-based. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between schedule contingency and phase buffers. What the Remaining Buffer Ratio is and how to calculate it. Why buffers must be used in pace  not all at once. How this KPI replaces slippage reports and float tracking. How to make buffer usage responsible and transparent. Are you managing buffers with intention... or reacting when it's too late? 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 a powerful concept inside the TACT Production System: using buffers in pace with the Remaining Buffer Ratio. Buffers are not contingency. They are intentional protection for specific phases of work and when used correctly, they eliminate rushing, pushing, and panic. The key is not whether you use buffers. The key is how responsibly you use them. Jason explains how the Remaining Buffer Ratio helps teams decide when to consume buffer and when to recover time another way replacing traditional CPM tools like float reports, S-curves, and earned value metrics with something practical, visual, and flow-based. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between schedule contingency and phase buffers. What the Remaining Buffer Ratio is and how to calculate it. Why buffers must be used in pace  not all at once. How this KPI replaces slippage reports and float tracking. How to make buffer usage responsible and transparent. Are you managing buffers with intention… or reacting when it's too late? 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 modern construction epidemic: email overload. For the sender, it feels productive. You fire it off, get a dopamine hit, and move on. But for the receiver especially project managers and project engineers it becomes an endless queue of stress, batching, and overwhelm. Jason explains why email as a primary internal communication tool slows projects down, increases stress, and hides capacity issues. He challenges leaders to rethink how they delegate and to use better systems like Scrum, Kanban boards, and task management platforms to create flow instead of chaos. What you'll learn in this episode: Why email multiplies communication time by 4x. How batching and queueing create hidden work-in-progress. Why email culture overwhelms PMs and PEs. The leadership responsibility behind delegation overloa. Better alternatives for managing internal work and communication. If your team is drowning in inboxes… Is it because of workload or because of how you're assigning 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 tackles a controversial but important topic: CPM as a tool for playing the victim.He shares real-world experiences where high-performing, flow-based projects were challenged not because they were failing, but because they didn't fit a legal or delay-driven CPM narrative. The deeper question becomes: Why do some organizations resist production systems that actually work?Jason breaks down how traditional CPM culture can incentivize blame, delay claims, and victim positioning instead of accountability, collaboration, and flow. He uses a powerful analogy from a road trip to explain the difference between consistent production flow and rush-push-panic behavior. What you'll learn in this episode: • Why CPM often creates a "victim mindset" culture. • How flow-based systems can outperform traditional schedules. • Why some organizations resist buffers and proper zoning. • The difference between legal positioning and real production control. • How accountability and respect for trades change project outcomes. If your schedule is designed to prove you're behind… Are you actually trying to win? 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 talks about a powerful realization: pushing is the alternative to good thinking. When leaders rush, panic, throw more people at a problem, or overload a job site with materials, it's usually not a strategy,  it's compensation for poor pre-planning and lack of flow. From Super PM Boot Camp in Atlanta, Jason reflects on leadership health, proactive thinking, and the core systems that prevent chaos on a construction site. What you'll learn in this episode: Why pushing, rushing, and panic are signs of poor planning. The difference between good thinking and reactive firefighting. The top five causes of constraints and roadblocks on job sites. Why pre-con meetings, pull planning, and look-ahead planning matter more than overtime. How leader health directly impacts decision quality and morale. Are you solving problems with strategy  or just pushing harder? 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 and Beanie continue the "causes of project failure" series and focus on why poor scheduling destroys flow especially when the plan never becomes a clear, visual tool for the people doing the work. They talk about how real progress starts when the schedule is collaborative, visible, and owned by the team, not buried in software or controlled by one "expert." You'll also hear how ego and complexity create bottlenecks, and what to do instead to get the plan into the field and keep projects moving. What you'll learn in this episode: Why a schedule is useless if the field can't see it and use it daily. How visual, collaborative planning gets teams aligned and solving problems together. Why complexity and "expert control" often become the real bottleneck. How to use the schedule as truth then improve it instead of ignoring it. What you can do immediately to increase flow without waiting for permission. Is your schedule helping the people doing the work or just protecting someone's ego while the project drifts? 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