Elevate Construction

Ep.1723 - The Downside of Short Meetings

Short meetings are not always better meetings. In this episode, Jason challenges the obsession with keeping every meeting brief and explains why rushing through important conversations can create context switching, shallow decisions, poor preparation, and weaker performance. Jason shares why longer, well-run meetings can be especially valuable during team formation, mentoring, and day-ahead planning. His point is simple: the meeting should last long enough to get the work right, create a full kit, and make sure the team is genuinely ready to perform. What you'll learn in this episode: Why short meetings can create more context switching and less meaningful progress. How longer focused sessions can help teams learn, align, and execute together. Why meeting quality matters more than meeting length. How afternoon foreman huddles should continue until the next day is truly ready. Why preparation and full kit can make execution more enjoyable and effective. Are you shortening meetings to save time or giving your team enough time to actually get the work right? 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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Ep.1722 -The People and System Side of Lean

Lean is not just about improving processes, equipment, or workflows it is also about creating systems that help people see, respond, and succeed. In this episode, Jason explains why Lean must address both the system and the human beings operating inside it. Jason breaks down the relationship between people, environments, processes, and equipment, explaining that a strong Lean system should make problems visible and effectively "ask a human for help." At the same time, people need the training, awareness, and support required to recognize those signals and act on them. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Lean must improve both people and systems. How processes and equipment should make problems visible to humans. Why people need the training and awareness to recognize system signals. How visual systems support better problem-solving and decision-making. Why respect for people remains at the center of Lean thinking. Are your systems helping people see and solve problems or are both the people and the problems being left invisible? 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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Ep.1721 - If It's Hard, You Don't Have the Right Visuals

If Lean feels difficult to implement, the problem may not be the people it may be what they can actually see. In this episode, Jason explains why strong visual systems make planning, logistics, coordination, and production easier by allowing teams to understand problems and act together. Jason discusses why printed plans, visual maps, Takt plans, pull plans, signage, and visible look-ahead and weekly work plans are essential to Lean construction. The goal is to design an environment where people can see as a group, know as a group, and act as a group. What you'll learn in this episode: Why difficult Lean implementation often points to missing or ineffective visuals. How visual planning makes problems and next steps easier for teams to understand. Why printed plans and physical visual systems still matter in a digital world. How Takt plans, pull plans, signage, and work plans support better coordination. Why Lean systems should help humans see problems and know when action is needed. Is the work actually difficult or have you simply not made it visible enough yet? 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

Ep.1720 - Pretend You Own the Company

If you're a Project Executive or General Superintendent, you cannot afford to treat your role like a box-checking position. In this episode, Jason explains why senior construction leaders need to think like business owners, understanding the risk, finances, client relationships, team performance, and long-term health of the company as if it were their own. Jason also introduces the difference between a continuous improvement leader and a "continuous comfort" leader. The higher you rise in leadership, the more important it becomes to keep learning, stay engaged with clients, support your teams, embrace new tools, and resist the temptation to put your role on autopilot. What you'll learn in this episode: Why PXs and General Superintendents should think like business owners. The difference between continuous improvement and continuous comfort leadership. Why senior leaders cannot afford to stop learning and developing. How getting too comfortable can disconnect leaders from clients and project teams. Why ownership mentality requires balancing hard work, growth, risk, and responsibility. Are you leading your role like you own the business or simply managing the position you were given? 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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Ep.1719 - Elevate vs. The Lean Builder Framework

Not every Lean construction framework is designed to work the same way. In this episode, Jason explains the key differences between the Lean Builder approach and Elevate's Integrated Production Control System and why teams transitioning between the two may experience some friction. Jason breaks down Elevate's emphasis on advanced planning, Takt planning, zone-based pull planning, afternoon foreman huddles, morning worker huddles, and integrating multiple proven systems instead of relying on a single methodology. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Elevate places a stronger emphasis on advanced planning and Takt planning. How zone-based pull planning fits into the Integrated Production Control System. Why Jason recommends afternoon foreman huddles and morning worker huddles. How Elevate combines ideas from Last Planner, Advanced Work Packaging, Scrum, and other systems. Why different Lean frameworks can complement each other without being identical. Are you trying to make one Lean framework fit everything or building a system that brings the right methods together? 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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Ep.1718 - Japan Takeaways Part 3: Calm, Clean, and Built to Flow

What does excellence look like when safety, production, logistics, and human behavior are all designed to work together? In this final episode of the Japan Takeaways series, Jason shares what stood out most from visiting another construction site and precast facility where cleanliness, visual planning, worker access, and daily production systems were all deeply integrated. Jason explains how Takt planning, look-ahead planning, worker huddles, afternoon foreman coordination, visual communication, and carefully designed site conditions created an environment that felt calm instead of rushed. What you'll learn in this episode: How clean, organized environments support safety, quality, and production flow. Why Takt planning and time-by-location systems create greater visibility and stability. How morning worker huddles and afternoon foreman planning support daily coordination. Why thoughtful access, walkways, staging, signage, and logistics make work easier for people. How calm leadership and reducing rush, push, and panic can create a better workplace. Is your project designed to help people succeed calmly or are your systems forcing them to rush and recover? 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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Ep.1717 - Japan Takeaways Part 2: What a Flowing Job Site Looks Like

What does a construction site look like when planning, logistics, safety, and production all work together? In this episode, Jason shares his second round of takeaways from Japan after visiting an active project site and seeing a highly structured production system in action. Jason breaks down the planning layers he observed from the summary schedule and critical flow map to the Takt plan, six-week look-ahead, weekly work plan, and day plan and explains how zoning, worker huddles, standardized logistics, clean access, and visual systems created a site that felt calm, methodical, and continuously flowing. What you'll learn in this episode: How multiple planning layers work together to create predictable production flow. Why time-by-location planning and clearly defined zones improve coordination. How morning worker huddles and afternoon foreman planning support daily readiness. Why cleanliness, standardized access, logistics, and visual systems matter to production. How leadership behavior can influence how deeply Lean is implemented, even in Japan. Does your job site feel like it is constantly reacting or is everything designed to flow? 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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Ep.1716 - Japan Takeaways Part 1: What Great Leaders Do Differently

What separates a great system from a great organization is often how leaders behave inside it. In this episode, Jason shares his first major takeaways from visiting a Japanese construction company after months of preparation, focusing on leadership, integration, problem-solving, and creating an environment where people can speak up. Jason explains how sales, design, and construction work together from the beginning, why leaders teach people to recognize deviations from standards, and why strong leaders work shoulder to shoulder with their teams instead of stepping in and solving every problem themselves. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leaders must teach people to recognize deviations from the standard. How shortcuts can quickly affect safety and quality. Why integrating sales, design, and construction can eliminate damaging silos. Why teams still need psychological safety and encouragement to speak up. How leaders can solve problems shoulder to shoulder without taking ownership away from their people. Are you building better processes or developing leaders who know how to see, support, and solve problems with their teams? 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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Ep.1715 - Wear Your PPE, but Pretend You Didn't Have It

PPE should be the last line of defense not the reason people feel safe taking unnecessary risks. In this episode, Jason explains why workers should wear PPE with absolute discipline while leaders simultaneously design the job site as if that PPE did not exist. Jason reflects on what he has observed in Japan, where many hazards are engineered out at the source, and challenges construction teams to combine that mindset with strict PPE standards. The goal is to remove the hazard whenever possible while still maintaining full protection. What you'll learn in this episode: Why PPE should never become an excuse for careless behavior. How engineering hazards out at the source can create safer work environments. Why Jason advocates for 100% PPE compliance on U.S. job sites. How to design work areas as if workers had no PPE protecting them. Why combining prevention with disciplined PPE use creates a stronger safety system. Are you relying on PPE to protect people or designing the work so the hazard is removed before PPE is ever needed? 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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Ep.1714 - Don't Pole Vault Over Mouse Shit

Being busy with something urgent does not mean you are working on what actually matters. In this episode, Jason explains why strong construction leaders must develop the ability to distinguish between distractions, urgent noise, bottlenecks, constraints, and the truly critical work that drives the project forward. Jason also explains why great leaders do more than react to today's biggest problem. They build the systems, training, visuals, research, and support structures ahead of time so the team is prepared before critical work becomes urgent. What you'll learn in this episode: Why urgent work is not always the most important work. How bottlenecks and constraints should guide your priorities. Why checking priorities with your team or supervisor can prevent wasted effort. How proactive systems and preparation keep leaders from constantly reacting. Why staying focused on critical work is one of the most valuable construction leadership skills. Are you working on what is truly critical or pole vaulting over problems that barely matter? 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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Ep.1713 - You May Be Crushing It at the Wrong Bar

Working hard and feeling successful does not always mean your performance is actually where it needs to be. In this episode, Jason explores the danger of grading yourself against the wrong standard and why someone can genuinely believe they are doing an amazing job while still performing below the level the role requires. Jason explains why strong training, clear standards, honest self-assessment, and outside feedback are critical for growth. The goal is not to become arrogant or overly critical, but to make sure you are measuring yourself against the right bar and focusing on actual results. What you'll learn in this episode: Why effort and a positive attitude do not automatically equal strong performance. How low standards can create a false sense of success. Why honest self-assessment and peer comparison can improve awareness. How strong training and standards should still leave room for continuous improvement. Why results matter when evaluating whether you are truly performing at the right level. Are you actually performing at a high level or just doing well against a bar that is set too low? 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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Ep.1712 - Zones, Areas, and Phases Explained

Calling something a "zone" does not make it a zone. In this episode, Jason explains the critical difference between zones, areas, and phases in Takt planning and why confusing them can affect production rhythm, sequencing, pull planning, and even supply chain alignment. Jason shares practical tests for identifying each one. Zones must be leveled by work density and serve as the production unit, phases contain their own unique zones and trade sequences, and areas are primarily used to organize and view the production plan. What you'll learn in this episode: Why zones must be leveled according to work density. How to tell whether a geographical breakdown is actually a phase or an area. Why zones can change while phases create a larger production structure. How phases connect to pull planning, look-ahead planning, and pre-construction meetings. Why getting these definitions right affects production flow and supply chain alignment. Are you truly creating production zones or simply labeling large areas of the project as zones? 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

Ep.1711 - Why I Suck

It's easy to compare your worst moments to someone else's best ones. In this episode, Jason pulls back the curtain and shares the side of himself. People rarely see the mistakes, flaws, difficult tendencies, and failures that exist alongside everything he teaches and builds. His point is not self-pity; it is perspective: nobody has everything figured out. Jason reflects on mistakes he has made as a young builder, son, parent, husband, leader, and business owner, while explaining why transparency can sometimes teach us more than polished perfection ever could. What you'll learn in this episode: Why comparing your struggles to someone else's highlights creates a distorted picture. How transparency can make leadership more relatable and useful. Why strong professional performance does not mean someone has every area of life figured out. How self-awareness helps expose controlling, defensive, and unhealthy tendencies. Why accepting imperfection does not remove the responsibility to keep improving. Are you judging yourself against someone else's best moments while ignoring the parts of their life you never get to see? 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 It's easy to compare your worst moments to someone else's best ones. In this episode, Jason pulls back the curtain and shares the side of himself. People rarely see the mistakes, flaws, difficult tendencies, and failures that exist alongside everything he teaches and builds. His point is not self-pity; it is perspective: nobody has everything figured out. Jason reflects on mistakes he has made as a young builder, son, parent, husband, leader, and business owner, while explaining why transparency can sometimes teach us more than polished perfection ever could. What you'll learn in this episode: Why comparing your struggles to someone else's highlights creates a distorted picture. How transparency can make leadership more relatable and useful. Why strong professional performance does not mean someone has every area of life figured out. How self-awareness helps expose controlling, defensive, and unhealthy tendencies. Why accepting imperfection does not remove the responsibility to keep improving. Are you judging yourself against someone else's best moments while ignoring the parts of their life you never get to see? 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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Ep.1710 - How to Feel Organized and Still Get Home on Time

Feeling organized should not require staying late every day. In this episode, Jason explains how to stay ahead of your work without letting it consume your life by creating quiet planning time, reducing commitments, and focusing only on what truly needs your attention. Jason shares how early focused work, the Eisenhower Matrix, delegation, automation, strong to-do systems, and one-piece flow can help leaders reduce mental overload and finish the day feeling ahead instead of constantly catching up. What you'll learn in this episode: Why quiet, focused time early in the day can dramatically improve productivity. How saying no, delegating, and eliminating unnecessary work creates more capacity. Why the Eisenhower Matrix can help you focus on what actually matters. How one-piece flow reduces distraction and the stress of doing too many things at once. Why trusted systems, calendars, automation, and to-do lists help you leave work without carrying it home. Are you staying late because there is too much work or because your system is still asking you to carry too much at once? 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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Ep.1709 - We're Too Addicted to Computers

Being busy on a computer does not always mean real work is getting done. In this episode, Jason challenges the construction industry's dependence on screens and asks whether project teams are spending too much time behind computers instead of leading, observing, solving problems, and being present where the work actually happens. Jason shares how recent personal and professional experiences reinforced the importance of being fully present. He explains why computers should support the work not replace real conversations, field leadership, visual planning, and going to the Gemba. What you'll learn in this episode: Why being active on a computer can create the illusion of productivity. How excessive screen time can disconnect leaders from real project conditions. Why project teams need more face-to-face conversations and field observation. How computers should support systems instead of becoming the system. Why going to the Gemba remains essential for effective construction leadership. Are your computers helping you lead the work or keeping you away from where the real work is happening? 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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Ep.1708 - Make It Work Before You Standardize It

You can't optimize something that doesn't exist yet. In this episode, Jason explains why teams need to separate the invention phase from the optimization phase and why trying to perfect or standardize an idea too early can actually prevent progress. Jason shares how this principle shows up in Lean Logistics, Super PM Bootcamp, and construction operations: first create something that works, experiment with it, prove the process, and only then turn it into standard work and begin improving it. What you'll learn in this episode: Why invention and optimization require two different mindsets. How premature standardization can lock a process into an immature version. Why getting something working comes before trying to perfect it. How standard work creates a foundation for continuous improvement. Why action and experimentation are essential before optimization begins. Are you improving a proven process or trying to perfect something that hasn't even been built yet? 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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Ep.1707 - Build the Team Before You Build the Project

Great projects start by getting the right people into the right roles before the work begins. In this episode, Jason connects Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's "cover and move" principle with practical frameworks for building construction teams that can trust each other, communicate openly, and perform together. Jason explains how team size, geographical responsibilities, personality, aptitude, and tools like DISC, Cultural Index, Enneagram, and the Six Types of Working Genius can help leaders determine who belongs in each key seat before mobilization. What you'll learn in this episode: Why getting the right people into key seats is critical to project success. How "cover and move" connects to intentional team building. Why trust, healthy conflict, accountability, and transparency must be developed early. How geographical responsibilities can help clarify ownership across a project. Why personality and aptitude should influence who is selected for each role. Are you intentionally building the team before the project starts or simply filling seats? 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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Ep.1706 - Get Rid of the Word "Should"

"Should" sounds harmless, but in construction planning it often reveals uncertainty. In this episode, Jason shares a lesson from a field walk that changed the way he thinks about pre-planning: stop saying something should happen and dig deep enough until you know what will happen. Jason explains why words like "should" and "try" create weak commitments and how replacing assumptions with certainty can expose gaps before they become field problems. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the word "should" often signals uncertainty in planning. How weak language can hide gaps in preparation and accountability. Why pre-construction teams need facts instead of assumptions. How digging deeper creates stronger commitments and better readiness. Why replacing "should" with "I know" can improve pre-phase planning. Where are you still saying "should" when you really need to know? 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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Ep.1705 - Out of Your Head, Off of Your Shoulders

Trying to carry an entire project in your head is not a sign of strength; it creates unnecessary stress, hides information from the team, and puts the burden on one person. In this episode, Jason explains why plans, problems, commitments, and next steps need to be made visible so the entire team can see them and help carry the load. Jason connects personal to-do lists, afternoon foreman huddles, visual planning, and team problem-solving to one simple idea: when you get the work out of your head, you get the weight off your shoulders. What you'll learn in this episode: Why keeping project information in your head creates unnecessary risk and stress. How afternoon foreman huddles help teams prepare the next day together. Why problems should belong to the team instead of a single individual. How visual planning creates shared awareness and makes Lean systems easier to manage. Why writing things down can improve reliability while reducing the mental burden on leaders. What could you get off your shoulders today simply by getting it out of your head? 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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Ep.1704 - Hurry Up and Plan

The worst time to start planning is when construction is already underway. In this episode, Jason explains why urgency belongs in pre-construction not in the field and why teams should work aggressively upfront so crews do not have to rush, panic, recover, or improvise later. Jason breaks down the difference between driving hard during planning and pushing people during construction. His point is simple: use the time before work starts to remove constraints, coordinate the details, and prepare the project so field execution can happen with stability, flow, and safety. What you'll learn in this episode: Why urgency should happen in pre-construction instead of in the field. How strong planning protects crews from rush, panic, overtime, and unnecessary risk. Why delaying planning until excavation or early construction wastes critical opportunities. How early preparation helps remove constraints before they become field problems. Why Jason believes an hour in pre-construction can save far more time during construction. Are you hurrying up to plan now or waiting until the field forces you to react? 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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