Elevate Construction

Explore the idea of collective accountability in the construction industry, shifting focus from blaming individuals to addressing systemic issues. Discover how a blame-free culture fosters progress and enhances team dynamics. The importance of genuine respect for individuals is highlighted, promoting honest communication and caring for safety. Also, learn why empowering workers and using the Last Planner system can uplift teams, challenging outdated practices that hinder efficiency.

Delve into the Critical Path Method (CPM) and discover its flaws that may extend project timelines and reduce productivity. Gain insights from listener feedback and critiques that call for alternative strategies like tact production systems and Kaizen. The discussion highlights the importance of systemic change over individual blame in addressing industry challenges. Emphasis is placed on fostering dignity and respect for workers, crucial for improving the construction landscape.

In this discussion, Kevin Rice, an integrator specializing in production systems for construction projects, shares insights on project management. He emphasizes the importance of integration and the balance of respect and accountability within teams. Kevin challenges the idea of being seen as a 'threat,' explaining how assertiveness can actually benefit team dynamics. Open and courageous communication is highlighted as essential for addressing tough questions and fostering a culture of transparency, ultimately leading to more successful project outcomes.

In this podcast we cover: Why it is important to use drafts. Why starting with a bad plan is good. In this episode, I talk about why a bad plan is often the best starting point for creating a great one. Through stories from my own work and a few analogies, I explain how the power of feedback and iteration turns flawed first drafts into strong, effective strategies. If you have ever hesitated to start because you feared making mistakes, this is a reminder that getting something on paper is always better than waiting for perfection. 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: When a lack of urgency hurts you. How you can act with urgency. What urgency is. In this episode, I share why urgency is the missing ingredient on so many projects. I talk about real examples where a lack of urgency caused massive delays in preconstruction, commissioning, and trade partner planning, and how acting early made all the difference. I explain why problems like missing materials, supply chain interruptions, or late permits often do not come from broken systems but from waiting too long to take action. Urgency is not about pushing people harder; it is about pushing with planning and getting ahead of issues before they surface. If you want smoother projects, reliable flow, and less firefighting, this episode will show you why urgency is non-negotiable. 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 worry that workers hide in nice bathrooms. Why it is not a real concern. A challenge for bathrooms on site. In this episode, I share why providing workers with great bathrooms is one of the most overlooked ways to build respect on a project. I talk about my own experiences creating permanent and trailer-based bathrooms on jobsites, the appreciation from workers, and the pushback I often hear from other leaders. I challenge the false idea that workers will waste time in bathrooms and explain why this mindset reflects a lack of respect for people. Workers are not resources. They are human beings who deserve dignity, and simple things like clean bathrooms with good setups can transform culture. By the end of this episode, you will see why investing in this small detail is a powerful act of leadership. 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 origin of the term. What it means. Why it happens. Why it’s bad for everyone. In this episode, I dive into the concept of sandbagging, where it comes from, and why it shows up so often in construction projects. I share the origins of the term, explain how it plays out on jobsites, and explore the real costs it creates for both general contractors and trade partners. From wasted time and higher overhead to supply chain misalignment, sandbagging always leads to inefficiency. Most importantly, I explain how sandbagging is not just about scheduling but about trust and leadership. By building a culture of honesty and creating realistic plans, leaders can eliminate the conditions that cause sandbagging and set projects up for 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 podcast we cover: A question given to me. How someone can do hard things. Why everyone needs a mentor and companion. In this blog I share a concept that I call the power of mentors and companions. Through personal stories from my own life, asking my wife to marry me, starting a business, having difficult conversations, and stepping into public speaking, I explain how the blend of mentorship and companionship makes hard things possible. If you are facing a challenge that feels overwhelming, this approach can give you the strength and confidence to take your next step. 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: If implementing lean halfway through is possible. In this episode, I talk about the myth that lean only works if you start from day one. I share stories from my own experience where we implemented lean halfway through projects and still saw remarkable results. From better communication to improved flow and even early finishes, I explain why waiting is the real danger. If you are in the middle of a project, this message is a reminder that now is always the right time to start improving. 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 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