Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover:

• Roles.
• How to use downtime.
• How to motivate teams after a delay.
• How to recover a production plan or a schedule.

In this episode, I share a real-world scenario from a superintendent dealing with permit delays, unpaid invoices, and frustrated trade partners. I talk about clarifying your role, how to use downtime wisely, how to motivate teams after setbacks, and what you can do to recover a schedule when things are out of your control.

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 podcast we cover:

• How human beings will reflect how they're treated.
• How we can approach people from a sincere win-win perspective.

In this episode I share a powerful concept I call "Humans Are Mirrors." The way we treat others will always be reflected back to us, whether in jobsite culture, contracts, or day-to-day interactions. I talk about how conditions like messy bathrooms, poor facilities, and harsh contract language are not random problems but direct reflections of how people feel they are being treated. If we approach workers with respect, provide clean and safe spaces, and foster trust, they will respond in kind. When we lead with care, kindness, and professionalism, we build stronger relationships and more productive teams.

I also share examples from our boot camp in Canada, discuss the feedback we receive from listeners, and highlight the free resources and simulations we are creating to help teams learn and grow. This episode is an invitation to rethink how we interact with others, not just in construction but in every part of life. If you want better outcomes, stronger collaboration, and a healthier culture, it starts with how you show up. Remember, humans will always reflect the treatment they receive.

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 podcast we cover:

• The conditions for respecting people.
• The right of understanding.
• The right of involvement.
• The right of input.
• The right of success.
• The right of humanity.

In this episode I share what I believe it really means to respect people in construction. Drawing from the work of Dave Risardo, I walk through five essential rights that every worker deserves: understanding, involvement, input, success, and humanity. These rights create the conditions where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered. I also share examples of how these rights show up on job sites and why they are critical for building trust and driving productivity. This is a reminder that no system or strategy will work unless we start with respect for people at the core.

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 podcast we cover:

• A recent post that was posted about flow and construction.
• Make a plea for people to look at it differently.
• Extend an invitation to protect people first.

In this episode, I open up about a recent post on flow in construction that really struck a nerve with me. Too often, definitions of flow focus on zones or processes and completely ignore the human side of building. From my experience as a superintendent, I explain why putting a GoPro on a work zone misses the bigger picture and can actually harm the people doing the work. I share why the train of trades is the real flow unit, how overburdening leads to safety risks and productivity spirals, and why respecting people is the foundation of lean. This is not just theory. It is about protecting our workers, challenging lazy thinking, and calling for lean influencers to take their responsibility seriously. If you care about the future of construction, this conversation is for you.

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 podcast we cover:

• What is the river of waste?
• Why you must reduce inventory?

In this episode, I sit down with my mentor, Hal Makeover, to unpack the river of waste and its role in lean construction. Together we explore why limiting work in progress reveals hidden problems, how the sequence of overburden, variation, and waste shapes sustainable improvement, and why improving processes we shouldn't be doing is a trap we must avoid. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom and deep insights that will help you think differently about flow, waste, and leadership in construction.

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 podcast we cover:

• Why our industry has leaned towards contracting and litigation instead of continuous improvement.
• Challenge everybody on the podcast to think deeply about this topic of contracts litigation and administration.

In this episode, I share my frustrations with the way our industry relies on contracts and litigation instead of solving real problems. I talk about trade partners asking for paperwork that doesn't build trust, plans riddled with disclaimers that push responsibility onto others, and specifications that weaponize scheduling instead of supporting teamwork. While contracts are necessary, I argue they should be fair, streamlined, and practical. What really prevents mistakes and builds lasting success are relationships, integration, and a commitment to doing the right thing. This conversation challenges us to rethink whether we're protecting ourselves or simply avoiding progress.

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 podcast we cover:

• Techniques to help your trade bottlenecks and to help your zone bottlenecks.
• Specific step-by-step instructions on how to do so.

In this episode, I explore practical strategies for fixing both trade and zone bottlenecks in construction. I talk about why crew composition, role protection, and hands-on training matter when dealing with trade bottlenecks. I also share how reorganizing zones, improving access, and using visual systems can prevent delays that affect entire teams. You'll hear examples of lessons learned from the field, small adjustments that make a big impact, and why bottlenecks should never be seen as failures. Instead, they are chances for leaders to step up, provide support, and keep projects moving forward. If you're ready to unlock smoother flow and stronger project outcomes, this episode is for you.

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 podcast we cover:

• Desire and capability are very different things.
• When you don't have the capability or the capacity for that matter, passing on defective work ends up being disrespectful actually so does allowing your crew to do work without the capability or capacity.

In this episode, I reflect on the crucial difference between desire and capability in construction. I share why sending workers into tasks without the right training is not only unsafe but also disrespectful, and how leaders have the responsibility to protect their crews by ensuring preparation and support. I talk about the importance of planning for variation, because in construction, just like in combat, the enemy gets a vote. This episode is a reminder that true leadership means equipping people not just for the task at hand, but for the challenges and obstacles that will inevitably come.

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 podcast we cover:

• Why it's important to have radios for our own people, including the trade partners.
• Why it's difficult to communicate without.
• If you do not have radios, why is it important to follow the direction of the team or speak up and to never dissent.

In this episode, I share why radios are such an important part of construction culture. I talk about how they make teams more professional, why they're more effective than cell phones, and how they prevent chaos when plans shift. Radios are more than tools, they're a way to build respect, connection, and flow on the jobsite. I also reflect on how my early experiences shaped the way I view communication today, and why a culture of clarity is non-negotiable for great teams.

You'll hear a story about a foundation crew that mastered efficiency through simple communication, and why that inspired me to push for radios on every project. I'll break down the difference between following the team plan and going rogue, and how radios help keep commitments real. This is a conversation about professionalism, respect, and the small things that create big results. If you want your jobsite to run smoothly, this episode will give you something practical to think about and act on right away.

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 podcast we cover:

• Why it's okay to let somebody get into their normal rhythm.
• What we want to do when it comes to engineering out errors around human beings who are good.

In this episode, I share an important lesson about understanding people's natural set points and rhythms. Too often, we assume that if we explain something once, demonstrate it, and guide someone through it, they will automatically continue with excellence. But in reality, people eventually drift back to their natural way of operating, their set point. By recognizing this, we can stop blaming individuals and instead design systems and processes that account for those tendencies. I also talk about how to engineer out errors, build stronger cultures of accountability, and coach people in ways that last. If you want to lead more effectively and help your teams reach higher standards, this episode is for you.

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