Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover:

• The differences between the two styles.
• Why Parrot managers are dangerous.
• Why the octopus and thinking for yourself is superior.

In this episode, I share a powerful analogy between parrots and octopi to highlight two types of behaviors in the construction industry. Parrots mimic what they hear, repeating buzzwords like critical path and quality, cost, and schedule without ever asking if these ideas actually make sense. Octopi, on the other hand, solves problems, adapts creatively, and thinks independently. I explain why our industry needs more octopus-style thinkers, people who are curious, resourceful, and willing to challenge outdated systems like CPM. This conversation is a reminder that the future of construction will be shaped not by imitators, but by innovators who choose to think for themselves.

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 question from a listener.
• What to do about cultural misfits.

In this episode I share updates on our new TACT steering and control book, reflect on feedback from a listener, and tackle a powerful question about leadership. I discuss why we must shift from the word Foreman to crew leader, the importance of creating inclusive environments for women, and how to confront poor performance in a way that is firm yet professional. I also share thoughts on career paths in construction management and how choosing the right program depends on your personal circumstances. This episode blends practical advice with a call for cultural change in our industry, highlighting the need for effort, inclusivity, and accountability.

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:

• Megan's Services.
• How men and women communicate differently.
• How we can connect.

In this episode, I respond to a listener's question about how to handle underperforming crew members without being negative. I share practical strategies for communicating with both the crew and foreman in a way that stays professional and focused on culture. I also emphasize the importance of accountability, clear expectations, and inclusive language, including why we should shift from the term Foreman to Crew Leader. Along the way, I share insights from my recent work, including the release of TAKT Steering and Control, and reflect on how leadership is about raising standards while respecting every individual on the team. This conversation is a reminder that words matter, culture matters, and leadership is about creating environments where excellence and inclusivity can coexist.

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:

• Systems that create abuse.
• Why we always blame the abuser.

In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, I take on a tough but important question: Did lean management fail? My answer is no. Lean practices such as Last Planner, Takt, and Scrum have proven themselves time and again to create predictable systems, reduce waste, and empower people. The problem is not with lean but with classical management, which has historically prioritized control, ego, and outdated methods over fairness, equity, and results.

I share why lean has struggled to spread widely despite its clear effectiveness, how classical management continues to block progress, and why fairness is more powerful than simply striving for equality. By looking at history, culture, and real-world project outcomes, I make the case that lean wins when it is applied fully and the real failure lies in the systems that resist it. This is a reminder for all of us in construction: progress comes from curiosity, humility, and the courage to embrace better ways of working.

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 normal pull planning process.
• How to dig deeper of the durations are not accurate.

In this episode, I share my insights on advanced pull planning and why the traditional approach often falls short. I explain how relying only on average durations can create sandbagged schedules and destroy zone control. I talk about asking trade partners for their fastest, average, and slowest durations so we can clearly see bottlenecks and optimize the system. I also discuss practical ways to improve constraints, from adding trained crews to using better equipment or work processes. This episode blends the principles of pull planning, line of balance, and takt planning to create a more strategic and reliable process. By identifying constraints and pacing everyone properly, we gain buffers, reduce risk, and accelerate milestones. This conversation is about moving beyond the basics and into a system that delivers confidence, clarity, and measurable results on every 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 podcast we cover:

• How the project is run.
• Suggestions given after the walk.

In this episode, I share insights from a lean project walk I recently did in Virginia on a hospital tower project. I talk about what the team is doing exceptionally well with takt planning, Last Planner, and visual scheduling, while also highlighting areas where they can push even further with afternoon huddles, interactive work plans, and worker engagement. I also reflect on why walking projects, sharing feedback, and inviting others onto our jobs is one of the best ways to keep growing as leaders. If you want practical, field-tested advice that can be applied right away, 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:

• A question from a listener.
• What to do if you don't have the labor to accomplish the work.

In this episode, I respond to a listener's question about a project stuck because mechanical crews cannot provide the manpower they promised. I break down why this is not simply a trade partner problem but a system constraint driven by labor rules and regional realities. I share my perspective on immigrant labor, restrictions around hiring felons, and the impact these have on construction projects. Most importantly, I provide practical advice for what to do when you are stuck in this situation, including supplementing work, using takt planning creatively, and learning to pre-plan with accurate reference classes. This is an important conversation for anyone dealing with delays, labor shortages, or the frustration of being blamed for problems outside their 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 companies abuse you.
• Why you must hold to the pattern.
• What to do if your company will not do the right thing.

In this episode, I share a powerful lesson from boot camp about what to do when your company refuses to plan projects properly. Too often, superintendents are sent to rescue failing jobs without the resources or systems needed to succeed. I explain why recovering broken projects is not a badge of honor, why fear is used to keep people stuck, and why the only real answer is to say no. You will learn why preplanning, Takt, and respect for people are non-negotiables and how saying no can change your career and the industry.

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 making work ready is so important.
• The 17 items that must be in place for an item to be ready.

In this episode, I share what it really means to say a crew is ready for an activity. Too often, we move ahead before all the pieces are in place, which creates roadblocks, rework, and frustration. I break down the 17 components of true readiness, from conditions of satisfaction and support teams to materials, equipment, layout, and space. This is not a theory. These are practical checks that keep projects flowing smoothly and keep teams safe and productive. If you want to strengthen your planning process and eliminate waste, this discussion will give you the clarity you need.

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:

• Questions from listeners.
• How to scale Takt in a small company.
• The difference between contingency and buffers.

In this episode I take on listener questions that highlight two important challenges in construction. The first is how to scale lean systems like TPS for smaller companies that may feel these tools are built only for larger operations. I share practical steps any team can take to get started, including training, templates, and early project support. The second is how to understand the difference between Takt buffers and CPM float. Many people confuse the two, but they serve very different purposes. Buffers are built into the plan to absorb natural variation and keep flow intact, while contingency is reserved for the truly unexpected and is often controlled by the owner. By exploring these ideas together, I want to show that size is not a limitation and that effective planning tools are available to everyone. This episode is about breaking down excuses, embracing readiness, and building confidence that construction systems scale no matter the company or 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