Elevate Construction

In this episode, Jason Schroeder discusses the importance of allowing the person solving the problem to follow their mental process, without interruption. He shares a personal story of a lesson learned from a general superintendent and highlights the role of humility and trust when seeking or giving advice. Jason explains that in leadership and problem-solving, sometimes it's necessary to let the person guiding the solution take the lead in their own way, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes and smoother collaboration.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why it's crucial to let the person solving the problem follow their mental process without interference.
• The impact of "boxing someone in" when they're providing advice or solving an issue.
• How the theory of constraints relates to respecting the person solving the problem.
• Why subordinating to the problem solver's process can lead to better teamwork and solutions.
• How to ask for help in a way that respects the other person's approach without being controlling.

Are you letting the person solving the problem follow their own mental process, or are you boxing them in with your expectations?

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 explores how data should drive decisions, especially in times of project delay, instead of relying on opinions or reactionary fixes like adding extra crews or working overtime. He explains that while delays are inevitable, it's critical to avoid old practices like CPM crashing and instead use data-backed methods such as re-sequencing, isolating delays, or utilizing buffers. Jason stresses that by simulating different "what-if" scenarios and visually mapping out the impact, teams can make smarter, more effective decisions that truly recover delays without causing further chaos.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why relying on opinions during delays leads to chaos, while data leads to better decisions.
• How to use simulations and "what-if" scenarios to recover delays without disrupting the schedule.
• Why adding labor or cutting duration often doesn't solve problems, but exacerbates them.
• How to handle project gridlock by pivoting to data, not just relying on seniority or gut decisions.
• The importance of mapping out delays visually to assess the real impact on timelines and resources.

Are you making decisions based on opinions or data and how would it change your project outcomes to rely on the latter?

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

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In this episode, Jason shares the powerful analogy of a bad conductor in the context of construction. He compares project delivery to an orchestra, emphasizing the roles of the superintendent, project manager, and trade partners. If the conductor (superintendent) stops leading or micromanages, or if the musicians (trades) don't follow the rhythm, the project falls apart. Jason shows how common mistakes in construction can be likened to playing music without sheet music, or trying to perform in front of an audience without proper practice. This analogy serves as a fun but insightful way to rethink how we approach planning, collaboration, and leadership on the jobsite.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How the roles in construction can be compared to those in an orchestra
• Why project leadership should focus on maintaining rhythm and integration, not micromanaging
• The importance of having the right resources and preparation for a successful project
• How trades, like musicians, must follow the overall rhythm to ensure success
• Why thinking outside the box using analogies can reveal flaws in construction practices

How are you leading your team to stay in rhythm, and what would happen if you stopped conducting the right 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

In this episode, Jason Schroeder talks about "salty eyes", the mindset that turns experience into bitterness instead of wisdom. He explains how negativity, resistance to change, and untrained habits create toxic behaviors that hurt people and projects, even when they're disguised as "experience." Jason challenges the industry to replace over-salted perspectives with optimism, learning, and systems thinking because survival and success in construction start with attitude.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• What "salty eyes" look like in construction leadership and jobsite behavior.
• Why experience without training often leads to push, panic, and toxic habits.
• How negativity and fixed mindsets block real improvement.
• Why optimism and process thinking are survival skills in construction.
• What it really means to be "seasoned" in a way that helps people and projects.

Are your eyes lightly seasoned with reality or over-salted to the point where they're holding you and your team back?

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 explains how Takt Planning fully aligns with Lean Core #2: Stability and Standardization. He walks through why chaos cannot be improved, how CPM creates constant variation, and why Takt's zone-based, time-based flow is the only way to achieve real stability on a construction project. By holding start dates, reducing overproduction, and creating clean, standardized work environments, Takt turns instability into a repeatable, improvable system.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why stability is impossible without flow and why Takt enables both.
• How holding start dates reduces variation and prevents overproduction.
• How Takt reduces waste, overburden, and unevenness through level flow.
• Why standardized zones enable first-run studies, leader standard work, and quality checks.
• Jidoka, buffers, and visible problems make continuous improvement possible.

If stability and standardization are missing on your project, is the issue really the people or the system you're using?

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 and Mark Story dive into the crucial concept of selecting the right clients for long-term success. They explore the idea of working with companies that prioritize people, customers, and then profits following a sustainable, growth-minded approach. Mark reflects on a recent project where, by shifting focus to people and collaboration, the team was able to achieve remarkable results, such as completing buildings ahead of schedule. Jason and Mark discuss the importance of investing in your people, guiding them through leadership, and shifting from short-term cost-cutting to long-term growth strategies.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why selecting clients who prioritize people leads to better long-term results.
• How investing in people and leadership creates a thriving work culture and enhances productivity.
• The importance of trusting your team, giving them responsibility, and coaching them to success.
• Why focusing on profits at the expense of people leads to a toxic work environment.
• How scaling businesses with the right mindset ensures a prosperous future for both employees and clients.

Are you prioritizing short-term profits, or investing in your people for long-term 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 Schroeder explains how Takt fully complies with Lean Core 1: respect for people, nature, and resources. He walks through why Takt is a people-centered system that limits overburden, exposes problems visually, and replaces blame with system fixes, unlike CPM, which hides issues and punishes workers. Jason also connects Takt to Japanese Lean principles like hitozukuri (making people before making things), standard work, total participation, and finishing with pride and craftsmanship.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why Takt is the ultimate respect-for-people scheduling system.
• How Takt replaces blame with visible system improvement.
• How zones, buffers, and rhythm prevent overburden and chaos.
• Why CPM hides problems while Takt makes them solvable.
• How Lean principles like hitozukuri, monozukuri, and ikigai show up in real Takt execution.

If your scheduling system truly respected people, what would change tomorrow on your project?

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 3S and 5S. Sort, Set in Order, Sweep/Shine, Standardize, and Sustain and explains why cleanliness is the foundation of safety, quality, and flow. He shares why many teams fail by treating 5S as cosmetic instead of cultural, and how stability and standardization make problems visible so they can actually be solved. Jason also explains why some teams start with 3S first, and how daily cleanliness habits unlock continuous improvement and respect for people.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The difference between 3S and 5S and when each should be used.
• Why cleanliness is a prerequisite for safety and quality not an afterthought.
• How standardization makes problems visible instead of hiding them.
• Why clean environments change human behavior and enable total participation.
• How daily 3S/5S habits lead directly to Kaizen and continuous improvement.

If cleanliness reveals the truth about your system, what is your current environment telling you right now?

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 explains why standards must not slip, not in the office, not in the field, and not during a Lean transformation. He connects respect for people to consistent expectations: when everyone is treated with the same rules, facilities, cleanliness standards, and conduct, teams align; when people are treated as "less," you get resentment and rebellion. Jason also shares real examples of how strong leaders held the standard without being toxic through clear expectations, training, visible standard work, and fair consequences because letting standards slide slowly pulls the whole company back to old behaviors.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why treating craft and leadership as equal is proven through shared standards and conditions.
• How slipping standards creates a slow slide back to the old way of operating.
• What leaders can do to hold the standard without being mean: clarity, training, visuals, support.
• Why "fear of being disliked" leads to weak leadership and harms the team.
• How accountability can be handled positively through role fit, coaching, or reassignment when needed.

Where are you allowing "just this once" to become the new normal and what standard do you need to protect starting today?

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 explains why most companies struggle with flow when they're organized around departments and what changes when you reorganize people around value streams instead. He shows how "department islands" create handoff friction, local efficiency, and competing priorities, while value-stream organization aligns business development, pre-con, operations, and support functions around what the customer actually needs delivered. The result is better flow, clearer ownership, repeatable systems, and performance metrics that measure the end-to-end outcome, not just how busy each department is.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• What a value stream is and why it matters more than department efficiency.
• How siloed departments create waste, friction, and broken handoffs.
• How organizing by geography (podium/skin/tower) mirrors value-stream thinking on projects.
• Why value-stream organization enables repeatable systems and better support for crews.
• How to measure performance by value-stream outcomes instead of local department metrics.

Where in your company are people optimized for department "efficiency," when what you really need is flow all the way to the customer and the field?

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