Ep.1604 - The Pull Plan & The Reference Class
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason explains why a pull plan alone is not enough to create reliable schedules. While pull planning is critical for collaboration, sequencing, and trade buy-in, it must always be balanced against historical project data, what Jason calls the “reference class.” Jason also revisits the difference between CPM, single-train Takt planning, and multi-train Takt planning, explaining why the real goal is not forcing every trade into one uniform rhythm, but enabling multiple trains of work to flow properly together. The key lesson: never let optimism override reality. Great pull...
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Ep.1603 - Eliminating Waste Is Not the Whole Story
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason challenges one of the most misunderstood concepts in lean construction: the idea that eliminating waste is always the primary goal. While waste reduction matters, Jason explains why focusing only on “cutting waste” can actually destroy flow, destabilize systems, and hurt project performance. Using examples from NASCAR pit crews, buffers in Takt planning, foremen supervision, and the Theory of Constraints, Jason explains that lean is not about maximizing utilization everywhere, it’s about protecting throughput, flow, and system stability. Sometimes what looks like...
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Ep.1602 - The Five-and-Five and Ten Feet Away
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason dives into a powerful logistics concept that can completely change how construction teams organize work in the field. He explains the “five-and-five” principle: can workers access everything they need within five steps and five seconds? along with the idea that all visual information and standard work should be understandable from ten feet away. Drawing from lean manufacturing, military logistics, and real-world construction examples, Jason explains why logistics is one of the most overlooked but critical systems in construction. From strike zones and kitted carts to...
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Ep.1601 - There Is No “Out of Takt”
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason tackles a major misconception in the construction industry: the idea of “pre-Takt,” “out of Takt,” or “non-Takt” areas. He explains why every part of a project can and should be Takt when you truly understand what the Takt Production System is designed to do. Jason breaks down the core principles behind Takt planning: creating flow, sequencing trades properly, stabilizing production with buffers, and organizing work by zones or work packages. He explains that Takt is not just about having one perfectly uniform rhythm everywhere, it’s about enabling...
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Ep.1600 - Focus on the Critical Factors
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason introduces a powerful leadership and production concept: focusing on the critical factors that control project success. Instead of reacting to problems after they happen or simply observing normal work in progress, leaders should concentrate their attention on the areas most likely to impact flow, create bottlenecks, or fail the system. Drawing from conversations with a high-performing trade partner integrator, Jason explains how elite construction teams identify and monitor the most difficult transitions, trade bottlenecks, risky connections, and limiting factors before...
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Ep.1599 - Which Lean Principle Should You Follow?
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason delves into the complexities of lean principles and how to decide which principle to follow in the face of conflicting priorities. He explores a key dilemma with Ryan, his CFO, regarding over-processing and respect for people in the context of lean, and uses Eliyahu Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints to offer guidance on how to resolve such conflicts. Jason discusses how to evaluate which lean principle will have the most significant impact on the project or the business, and he breaks down how to make decisions when faced with seemingly contradictory principles. The...
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Ep.1598 - Managing a Spread Out Project: How to Keep Control
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason discusses how to manage a spread-out project effectively. Whether you’re working on a massive hospital or a smaller, sprawling project, Jason breaks down the approach you need to take to maintain operational control, safety, and organization. He explains that while you may need to break large projects into functional teams, a spread-out project doesn’t automatically require separate functional areas. The key is logistical control getting around efficiently, staying connected, and ensuring smooth communication. From using tools like Kawasaki mules and drones to...
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Ep.1597 - The Impact of Having the Wrong Trades
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason dives into a critical issue in construction: having the wrong trades on your team. He explains why the key to success in pre-construction starts with choosing the right trades and trade leaders. If you’re struggling with trades who aren’t performing, it may be a sign of a failure in the pre-construction process. Jason discusses how selecting the right trades and ensuring they’re aligned with your culture is crucial to the success of a project. Drawing from his experience with the Bioscience Research Laboratory, Jason outlines how a strong pre-construction process...
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Ep.1596 - Where Field Leadership Should Be
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason explores a key leadership concept called “The Dilemma of Command” deciding where a field leader should spend their time. Should superintendents stay in the field? Should they stay in the office? Jason explains that the answer is neither. Great leaders must be where they are needed most. Using examples from military leadership and real construction experience, Jason breaks down how field leaders should think through the lens of the Theory of Constraints. The goal is not to look busy in the field or hide in the office, the goal is to identify the project’s...
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Ep.1595 - Where Balance Comes From
Elevate Construction
In this episode, Jason clears up a major misunderstanding about work-life balance. Balance does not come from doing less, caring less, or becoming disengaged at work. It comes from becoming lean using personal organization systems, time blocking, full focus, one-piece flow, full kit, buffers, and disciplined work habits so you can perform at a high level without burning yourself out. What you'll learn in this episode: Why balance does not mean doing less. How personal organization creates freedom. Why focus and full kit matter in daily work. How lean thinking applies to your personal...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jason breaks down an advanced concept around “stop, call, wait” and why the word wait is often misunderstood in construction. He challenges the common habit of delaying action and makes it clear: waiting is not part of a high-performing system. Instead, true production thinking means always taking the next natural step. Jason explains that when something goes wrong, we should stop the process, call the right people, and immediately begin solving the problem, not sit idle. The goal is to restore flow with full kit, quality at the source, and a clear plan. Waiting, in the traditional sense, means doing nothing and in construction, doing nothing is never the right move.
What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why “waiting” is one of the most dangerous habits in construction.
- The real meaning behind “stop, call, wait”.
- How to always find and execute the next natural step.
- The role of full kit and flow in restarting work.
- Why progress comes from action not delay.
What is the next natural step you should be taking right now and why aren’t you doing it?
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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