September 2023 - Elevate Constructionist

Who Are You?

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 3 min

Do you know who you are? Do you know your strengths, weaknesses, and innate abilities? If not, what are you waiting for? To build trust you must know yourself, you must know your team. It is also important to get the right people into the right positions. Take the attached assessment and send me your results. I will make a player card for you.

Check out my player card as an example. Does it help you to know me better? If so, what could it do for you?

The knowledge of your strengths can do more to springboard you toward more success than anything else I know. Don’t focus too much on your weaknesses. Neutralize them, but spend most of your time on your strengths. Those are what you will use to change the world.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

The #1 Best Way to Create a Lean Culture in Construction

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 3 min

If you haven’t heard of Paul Akers, you are in for a treat! Think of heaven. What would it be like? Will we know all things, have all things, and exist with everything given to us? Or, will we be able to progress, and learn, and improve, and create remarkable environments of our own? Does this sound silly? I hope not-because I am dead serious. If you study Paul’s books, watch his videos, and start your 2 Second Lean journey, you will be introduced to a little bit of heaven on earth. All I can say about watching his progress is, “Inspired!” Check out the 2 Second Lean Play App. It is totally free. here is what you will get:

2 Second Lean – Build a lean culture
Lean Health – Find the simplest way to care for your health
Lean Life – Truly know who you are
Lean Travel – Travel with the most efficiency
Banish Sloppiness – Learn quality from Japanese culture
Today & Tomorrow – Read a classic that could change the minds of current lean thinkers

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

Do you have a weekly meeting system?

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 4 min

Effective meetings can truly be a game changer in any project or organization. They serve as vital forums for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. However, it’s equally important to consider how well your project’s communication system extends to every worker in their specific work environment.

Having an efficient and scalable communication system tailored to the needs of each worker in their unique work setting is essential. It ensures that crucial information is not only disseminated but also comprehended and acted upon effectively. This approach empowers workers with the knowledge and guidance they need to carry out their tasks efficiently and safely.

If you don’t currently have such a system in place, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on why. Perhaps it’s a matter of resources, technology, or processes. Identifying the barriers to effective communication and addressing them can lead to improved productivity, reduced errors, and a safer work environment. Ultimately, it’s an investment in the success of your project and the well-being of your team. So, evaluating your communication strategies and making necessary improvements can yield significant benefits for your project’s overall success.

Let’s organize one for you:

So many people in construction do not like meetings. But meetings can make or break the effectiveness of the project if not done right. Ultimately, we are professional communicators. It is our job to communicate the project vision and direction all the way to the workers. Is your system setup to scale effective communication? Are your meetings effective enough to reduce your load and increase your capacity? Are they interesting and covering the right topics? Check out the template weekly meeting plan below and reach out if you need any help.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

Design your trailer first

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 4 min

When embarking on the planning process for your workspace, it’s crucial to prioritize the design of your office space from the very beginning. This initial focus on office design sets the foundation for a productive, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment that can greatly impact your team’s efficiency and overall well-being. From layout and furniture choices to lighting and decor, thoughtful design choices can create a workspace that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration, and ultimately contributes to the success of your organization. So, here are some things to consider:

Does the workspace foster engagement?
Does the space create visual management where the team can solve problems together?
Are signs intentionally placed to support scheduling, safety, and quality systems?
Does your trailer have the following items?

Remarkable conference rooms
A reception area
A permitting wall
A family wall showing pictures of the team and family
A right to know area
A virtual plan table and dashboard
Space for your trade partners to co-locate
A planning area for the last planner system
A dedicated orientation area
Lunchrooms for the workers
Bathrooms built for the workers

Does the trailer look, smell, and sound the way you want to create the culture you want?

Here is what you can do:

Design your trailers first.
Ask yourself how you want people to feel.
Ask yourself what you want people to know.
Ask yourself what interactions and engagement you want to take place naturally.

Ultimately, we all need four things to be successful:

A place to work
Tools & equipment
Training
The time to do our work

The companies and leaders that invest in their office spaces, will be better suited to create dynamic cultures, creative and engaging spaces, and teams that want to work at 100% capacity.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

Visual Management is Key

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 5 min

It’s a well-known fact that getting your plan out of your head and onto tangible mediums like paper, signs, or interactive boards is a pivotal step in executing any successful endeavor. This process not only facilitates clear communication but also serves as a visual roadmap, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page and fully comprehends the path forward.

To further empower you on your lean journey, we’ve taken the initiative to create a pre-formatted catalog of interactive signs. These signs are meticulously designed to align with lean principles, offering practical guidance and visual aids that can significantly enhance your operational efficiency. They serve as valuable tools to reinforce lean thinking within your organization.

Moreover, we understand that every lean journey is unique, with specific needs and challenges. That’s why we extend an open invitation for you to reach out to us with any additional requirements or specific sign formats you may need. Our dedicated team is ready and eager to collaborate with you, ensuring that your unique goals and objectives are met. Together, we can incorporate any necessary additions to further support your lean journey effectively.

In essence, our mission is to equip you with the resources and support necessary to excel in your lean endeavors. We recognize that the path to lean excellence is an ongoing journey, and we are here to provide the tools and assistance you need to navigate it successfully. Your success is our success, and we’re committed to being your trusted partner on this journey toward operational excellence.

Download this catalogue for signage ideas and a catalogue you can use to order through fast signs.

Please reach out to Lorenia for orders:

Lorenia Martinez

FASTSIGNS® 30th Street & Thomas | Account Manager | lorenia.martinez@fastsigns.com

2924 N. 30th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Phone: 602-955-8508 | FAX: 602-955-8501

Mobile: 480-459-7446

https://www.fastsigns.com/60-east-phoenix-az

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

Leader Standard Work

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 6 min

Ever have trouble working too many hours? Ever have a hard time getting home? Ever feel like you can’t make improvements daily or do your training? Well, I can help.. Here comes Leader Standard Work.. What is Leader Standard Work?

Leader Standard Work is the process of organizing-by priority-your standard work you do as a leader that will focus you on the 20% of key focuses that will bring to pass 80% of your success.

Example:

Here is the process:

Make sure you have a personal organization system that includes a to do list and a calendaring system.
Identify your role and the key things you have to do as a leader to be successful.
Plan your next week in a standard format.
Plug in your family and personal time in your plan first! (See purple above)
Plug in your Leader Standard Work next! (See the Scorecard above)
Plug in standard meetings and other items at the last.
On a daily basis review your to do list, and refine your time blocked tasks for the day in your calendar.
Execute your plan, protect your work, and live a remarkable life.

If you do this, and protect your standard work, you can maximize your effectiveness.

As an example, below is at list of standard work for the Super path. Notice the difference between roles and how the standard work changes:

Field Operations Director

· Develops Leadership Teams

· Ensures Managers are Managing Subordinates

· Engages in Difficult Conversations

· Runs Great Team Meetings

· Communicates Constantly to Employees

· Allocates Regional Manpower

· Trains all Field Resources

· Oversees Department Progress for Field Systems

General Superintendent

· Project Visits Regularly

· Allocates Craft Manpower

· Trains & Develops Field Craft

· Oversees Pre-construction for Field Items

· Develops Lower-Level Superintendents with Mentoring & Training

· Develops Intentional Trade Partner Relationships

· Troubleshoots Projects in Trouble

· Oversees Major Logistical Items in Region

· Studies Current Best Practices Weekly

· Continually Learns Lean Practices

· Builds Cohesive Teams

Senior Superintendent

· Studies Drawings Daily

· Oversees Master Schedule

· Performs Walks of Functional Areas & Aligns

· Builds and Manages Operational Control System Onsite

· Reflection Walks with Lower-Level Superintendents

· Reviews Roadblocks for the Day & Removes

· Allocates Balanced Manpower throughout Project

· Champions Owner Relationship

Project Superintendent

· Studies Drawings Daily

· Oversees Functional Schedule

· Walks Project throughout Day

· Scales Communication to all Field Workers

· Enforces a Safe, Clean, and Organized Project Site

· Directs Logistics

· Removes Roadblocks

· Allocates Manpower

· Champions Procurement & Management of the Supply Chain

· Directs Logistics Carpenters

· Directs Deliveries

· Directs Field Engineers

· Coordinates MEP & Commissioning

· Directs all Complex Logistics such as Cranes, Hoists, and Other Equipment

· Creates and Manages the Schedule

· Directs overall Safety and Quality Program

Superintendent

· Plans & Executes Work

· Studies Drawings Daily

· Manages Short Interval Schedules Daily

· Walks Project Multiple Times a Day

· Champions Safety Systems Onsite

· Runs Day-to-day Scheduling Meetings

· Oversees Quality Inspections

Assistant Superintendent

· Provides a Safety Presence in the Field

· Studies the Drawings Daily

· Walk the Project throughout Day

· Checks PTPs

· Ensures all Crews Have Quality Expectations

· Oversees Self-perform Crews

· Coordinates Issues in Field

· Enforces Logistic Controla

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

The Fun Morning Huddle

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 4 min

Do you want to start a lean culture? Consider starting with the morning huddle. Check out this agenda:

1. Begin the morning huddle timer with music

2. Open the meeting

3. Whoever was chosen yesterday, gets to run the meeting. Select tomorrows’ leader

4. Whoever volunteered to share their 3s, gets to… Select tomorrows’

5. Get the energy high with a stretch

6. Review the meeting rules

7. Start out in a positive way

8. Consider doing the following:

..a quote for the day

..a word of the day

..a shout out for what we are grateful for

9. This is very important. Share a FastCap video to scale the kinds of ideas we are wanting

10. Teach about the 8 wastes

11. Review any department lean improvements

12. Review the secret sauce document for your company, department, or team

13. Remind everyone what our goal is

And you can add any other tactical items that need to be covered daily. But why not start? You can adjust as you go along. The purpose is to great proximity and to develop a social group with a continuous improvement culture. Why not start tomorrow? Reach out if you need help!

Here is a template you can use and modify:

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

Contractor Grading

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 3 min

You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and that goes for construction projects as well! Are you grading the performance of all contractors onsite, including yourself? If not, bad behavior is likely stealing 10-20 hours of time from your family every week.

Here’s how the grading system works, if you want to stop babysitting:

Decide on grading criteria that is not subjective-meaning that is fact based on and based on whether i like someone or not…
Explain the grading system to all project leaders and get buy-in
Begin by having trade partners grade you, as the GC first
Then, begin grading all contractors onsite weekly
Post all scores for everyone to see, especially the As and F players
If you do this, you will see everyone rise to the occasion, and do their own work
Grading criteria could be about cleanliness, attendance at meeting, daily reports, duration of time to correct safety issue, and anything important to operations.

Do you want less stress? Do you want more remarkable operations on your project? If so, its time to begin the grading system on your site.

Here is the download file:

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

The Field Engineering Commandments

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 5 min

Certainly, let’s delve deeper into the significance of these commandments. There exists a meticulously crafted list of commandments that, when faithfully followed, act as a formidable shield against a wide array of potential mistakes in the field. These guiding principles are not just arbitrary rules but a strategic roadmap designed to elevate your performance and ensure that you navigate your fieldwork with precision and excellence.

The question to ask yourself is this: Are you truly ready to bid farewell to the exasperation and repercussions of dealing with mistakes? If your answer resonates with a resounding “yes,” then the next step is to embrace these commandments with unwavering commitment when you’re on-site.

These commandments are your invaluable toolkit for success, and each one carries profound significance. Safety takes the lead because the well-being of your team and the seamless execution of every project should never be compromised. Effective communication follows closely, for it is the lifeblood of a well-coordinated operation, ensuring that every member of your team is aligned and informed.

Meticulous attention to detail is the essence of the third commandment, signifying your commitment to excellence. No detail is too small to escape your vigilant eye. Lastly, adaptability, the fourth commandment, underscores the need to be agile in the face of unforeseen challenges. It’s about having the dexterity to pivot swiftly, ensuring that your projects stay on course even when unexpected hurdles arise.

By wholeheartedly embracing and understanding the profound impact of these commandments, you embark on a journey toward not just error reduction, but the elevation of your fieldwork performance. These are not just principles; they are the pillars upon which your success in the field is built, leading you to a future of efficiency, safety, and exemplary outcomes.

Here is the download for your reference:

I have seen national companies use these commandments within the field engineering ranks and completely shift the trend of making major mistakes. These commandments, if followed, will be a game changer for you in your work!

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

What does Elevate Construction do?

Posted on September 11, 2023October 31, 2023 by admin

Read 3 min

In the world of marketing, there’s a prevailing notion that within just 5 seconds, someone should be able to grasp what you do. Lately, we’ve been deeply contemplating this concept, diligently honing our message. It’s not an easy task because, much like many of you, we possess a wide array of capabilities to offer to individuals and companies. However, here it is: We specialize in guiding individuals and companies to take that crucial next step. That’s the essence of what we do.

So, what is your next step? What’s that one pivotal element that, if you could gain an advantage in, would propel your business to new heights? That’s precisely where we come in. Our mission revolves around identifying that strategic lever and helping you harness it for maximum impact. We understand that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it’s about recognizing your unique needs and aspirations and empowering you to achieve them. That’s the core of our commitment to your growth and success.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go!

Month: September 2023

Who Are You?

The #1 Best Way to Create a Lean Culture in Construction

Do you have a weekly meeting system?

Design your trailer first