Challenges And Opportunities In Commercial Construction

Posted on February 27, 2025February 27, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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Challenges and Opportunities in Commercial Construction

Commercial construction presents significant challenges but also tremendous opportunities. In this blog, we will break down three of the most pressing issues in the industry—problems that, if addressed, could resolve many of the difficulties construction professionals face. These insights come from extensive research, including key takeaways from How Big Things Get Done.

The three major challenges in commercial construction are:

Lack of proper project planning.
Use of ineffective project management systems.
Insufficient training for industry professionals.

Each of these factors plays a critical role in project success. By understanding and addressing them, construction teams can significantly improve outcomes.

The Importance of Proper Project Planning:

One of the biggest reasons construction projects fail is inadequate planning. Even large national contractors often do not allocate enough time, staff, or effort to preconstruction. As a result, projects become reactive firefighting exercises rather than well-executed operations.

A fundamental principle in successful construction is that planning should be proportional to project duration. If a project is scheduled to last ten months, at least five months should be spent on preconstruction. If it is a five-year project, planning should take at least two and a half years.

The reason is simple: projects do not go wrong—they start wrong.

Investing in thorough preconstruction planning prevents costly mistakes and delays. Consider the financial implications: spending a few hundred thousand dollars on proper planning can prevent millions of dollars in errors, reputational damage, and lost opportunities. Smart planning is an investment that pays off throughout the project lifecycle.

To support this, we have created a detailed project planning timeline that outlines the key steps required for effective preconstruction. Additionally, our book, Elevating Preconstruction Planning, provides a step-by-step guide to building a well-structured, risk-aware plan.

The Impact of Using the Wrong Systems:

Many construction projects fail not because of poor execution but because they rely on ineffective project management systems. One of the most commonly misused methods is Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling.

CPM is often favored in contracts, but not because it improves project outcomes. Instead, it is frequently used to create complexity and shift blame in disputes. The reality is that CPM has a poor track record in delivering projects on time. Studies show that only 15 to 45 percent of scheduled activities in a CPM-based plan actually occur as planned, even in the short term.

To improve project efficiency, teams should adopt more reliable methods:

Takt Planning ensures work progresses in a predictable, structured flow.
The Last Planner System enhances short-term planning and team coordination.
Scrum improves collaboration and decision-making in office-based project management.

CPM can be used for contractual summary purposes, if necessary, but it should not be the primary system guiding execution. When the right systems are in place, projects run more smoothly, risks are reduced, and teams can work more effectively.

The Lack of Training in the Construction Industry:

One of the most overlooked challenges in commercial construction is the lack of structured training for professionals. Many new hires are placed in roles without the necessary skills or experience. Instead of progressing through a systematic training program, they are expected to learn on the job, often without proper guidance.

Every construction professional should receive foundational training in:

Field engineering and project planning.
Project management methodologies.
Total station operation.
Lift drawings and 3D coordination.
Blueprint reading and interpretation.

The industry needs a far greater investment in training. If construction companies do not double or triple their training efforts, they will continue to face a shortage of skilled professionals. A more structured approach—similar to intensive training programs in other industries—would significantly improve workforce readiness.

It is not reasonable to expect a recent graduate to manage large-scale projects without hands-on field experience. Nor is it fair to place individuals in critical management roles without providing the necessary technical knowledge. Without proper training, costly mistakes and inefficiencies will continue to plague the industry.

The Path Forward:

The construction industry can significantly improve project outcomes by focusing on three key areas:

Comprehensive project planning that sets the foundation for success.
Adopting effective project management systems that improve workflow and accountability.
Investing in structured training programs to develop a skilled workforce.

By addressing these challenges, the industry can move toward more efficient, predictable, and successful construction projects.

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.

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How To Bid Commercial Construction Jobs

Posted on February 25, 2025February 25, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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How to Bid Commercial Construction Jobs

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through the process of bidding on commercial construction projects. Whether you’re a general contractor bidding for a project from a building owner or a subcontractor bidding for a trade-specific scope, this guide will help you understand the key steps and strategies to improve your chances of success.

Two Ways to Bid:

When it comes to commercial construction bidding, there are two primary approaches:

General Contractor (GC) Bidding – The GC submits a bid to the project owner to be awarded the contract.
Subcontractor Bidding – Subcontractors bid to the GC for specific trade work within the project.

Let’s go through the high-level process of each.

The Proposal Process:

Bidding on a commercial construction project is an intense process that involves careful planning and execution. It typically begins with an RFP (Request for Proposal) or RFQ (Request for Qualifications), which may focus more on pricing or qualifications depending on the project type.

Written Proposal:

The written proposal is a critical component of the bidding process. It includes:

A clear, compelling message that communicates the project approach.
Well-structured responses to highlight price, qualifications, and unique value.
Contributions from subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.

To make a strong impact, follow the hero’s journey storytelling technique—this makes your proposal engaging and memorable.

The Interview:

Once shortlisted, bidders move to the interview stage. This is where you need to:

Speak in concise soundbites and use strong visuals to support your points.
Show how you will solve the owner’s challenges and deliver value.
Present with confidence, high energy, and without fear or nervousness.

Your ability to connect with the selection committee and communicate effectively will significantly impact your chances of winning the bid.

Understanding Subcontractor Bidding:

Subcontractors typically receive a bid package or instruction to bidders from the GC. Some subcontractors may also be required to go through an interview process.

Key factors GCs look for in subcontractors:

Right team and experience.
Competitive pricing and schedule.
Ability to deliver on commitments.

Subcontractors must demonstrate their capability and reliability to be awarded work on a project.

Steps for Bidding:

Understand Project Requirements:

Before bidding, take a deep dive into the project scope:

Study the plans, specifications, and unique project elements.
Look for details such as overhangs, ceiling heights, formwork requirements, and site constraints.
Quantify all aspects of the project to prepare an accurate bid.

Conduct a Site Visit:

A physical site visit can provide crucial insights:

Check soil conditions, access points, and utility relocation needs.
Identify potential challenges that could affect pricing and scheduling.
Consider doing a preliminary layout to visualize how the building fits on the lot.

Estimate Costs:

Accurate cost estimation is essential and includes:

Material, labor, and equipment costs.
General conditions (insurance, bonds, staff costs).
General requirements (logistics, site setup).
Subcontractor quotes and contingencies.

Having multiple sets of eyes on estimates ensures accuracy and reduces risk.

Develop a Timeline Proposal:

A well-structured bid includes:

Cost breakdowns.
Project schedule (macro-level plan).
Zone maps and logistics plans.

A clear timeline helps owners and GCs understand your execution strategy.

Submit Your Bid:

Bid submission varies depending on the contract type:

Some GCs submit an initial cost proposal with their written submission and interview.
Others enter a CM-at-risk (Construction Manager at Risk) phase, where a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is developed over time.
Subcontractors may provide pricing at different project stages, from conceptual to final design.

Understanding when and how to price the project is key to a successful bid strategy.

Post-Bid Follow-up:

After submitting your bid:

Follow up to see if you were awarded the project.
Gather lessons learned if unsuccessful.
If awarded, immediately begin contract reviews, procurement planning, and project preparation.

Avoid scope gaps—ensure all project elements are covered in your bid and contract.

Pro Tips for a Winning Bid:

Ensure accurate subcontractor scopes: Use control estimates to compare pricing and validate bid accuracy.
Be realistic with time frames: Bidding takes time; plan accordingly to avoid rushed or incomplete submissions.
Include buffers and contingencies: Have adequate buyout, contractor, and owner contingencies to protect against unforeseen costs.
Stand out by adding value: Owners and GCs want reliability, problem-solving, and proactive planning—not just the lowest bid.

Final Thoughts:

Bidding on commercial construction projects can be a precise, exciting, and rewarding process when approached strategically. Focus on value, clarity, and accuracy in your bids, and work as a team to ensure a competitive edge.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How To Become A Construction Scheduler

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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How to Become a Construction Scheduler

If you’re looking to build a successful career as a construction scheduler, there are a few key steps you must follow. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the fundamental principles you need to understand to thrive in this role.

Experience Matters:

You cannot succeed as a scheduler without real field experience. Do not attempt to jump into a senior scheduler or scheduling director role without first gaining hands-on exposure in the field.

To build a strong foundation:

Work as a field engineer—this is one of the best ways to develop scheduling expertise.
Gain experience as an assistant superintendent or work in a craft role to understand project execution.
Spend time walking job sites with superintendents, field engineers, and foremen to observe real-world construction workflows.

Without this experience, you risk becoming a disconnected resource, which will not only limit your career but also create challenges for project teams.

Adopt a Time-By-Location Mindset:

A strong scheduler must always think in a time-by-location format. This means:

Time is on the horizontal axis (schedule timeline).
Location is on the vertical axis (project zones, phases, or areas).

Why does this matter? Without this approach, you won’t be able to:

Identify trade bottlenecks.
Properly zone the project.
Align the schedule with work packages.
Effectively plan make-ready efforts.

No matter which system you use—CPM, Takt, Last Planner System, or Scrum—adopting a time-by-location perspective will improve the clarity and effectiveness of your scheduling.

Get the Right Education:

A well-rounded education is essential for a scheduler. This means:

Understanding scheduling methodologies (Takt, Critical Chain, Last Planner System, and more).
Becoming proficient in scheduling software and project management tools.

One crucial note: CPM should never be your base scheduling system. Instead, prioritize methods like Takt planning and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) as your foundation. If you must use CPM, incorporate these principles to enhance its effectiveness.

Schedule Directly from Construction Drawings:

Schedulers should not be button pushers or data entry specialists. Your role is not just about inputting numbers—it’s about creating a real production plan based on actual construction drawings and specs.

To do this effectively:

Work with superintendents and project managers, not for them.
Base schedules on builder-driven realities rather than templates or generic models.
Dive deep into construction documents to ensure accurate, practical scheduling.

Commit to Continuous Learning:

The best schedulers never stop learning. If you’ve built a strong foundation in experience and education, continue developing your expertise through:

Certifications: Takt, Scrum, Last Planner System, Lean Construction.
Training programs: Industry-specific workshops and courses.
Books and research: Stay up-to-date with the latest scheduling innovations.

Many schedulers rely only on CPM, which is a critical mistake. The more you expand your knowledge, the more effective and valuable you’ll be in this field.

Final Thoughts:

A great scheduler supports—not dictates—the work of the project team. The superintendent and the team own the plan; your role is to help them execute it successfully.

If you’re serious about excelling in this role, follow these steps, continue learning, and never stop improving your approach.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How To Get A Construction Permit

Posted on February 19, 2025February 19, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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How to Get a Construction Permit: Key Steps and Considerations

Getting a construction permit can be one of the most challenging aspects of a construction project. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the most important considerations, share a real-life story about the challenges of permitting, and provide a step-by-step process to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Whether it’s for a building, utilities, or specialized permissions, understanding the permitting process is essential. Let’s dive into the essentials of securing permits and ensuring your project stays on track.

Challenges of Getting Construction Permits:

Construction permits aren’t just limited to building approvals. They can include permissions for:

Permanent power connections.
Utility company requirements.
FEMA or federal permits.
Local and state approvals.
Special conditions like historical preservation or hillside construction.

A lack of preparation or advanced research can lead to major setbacks. Bureaucracy, as well as resistance from certain entities like utility companies, can make achieving project goals—such as sustainability or net-zero designs—significantly harder.

For instance, I encountered a situation where a developer planned to create a net-zero, multi-family building in Phoenix. Despite their commitment to sustainability, they faced immense resistance from the local power company, which lobbied to prevent the project from moving forward. This frustrating experience taught me the importance of early research and understanding permitting requirements before investing significant resources.

Key Steps to Obtain a Construction Permit:

Follow these steps to streamline your permit process and avoid potential headaches:

Determine the Type of Permit You Need:
Understand the specific permits required for your project. These could include building permits, historical preservation permits, or utility-related permissions.
Check Local Requirements:
Research building codes and zoning regulations. Ensure these align with your project’s concept and vision early in the development phase.
Ensure the Vision Is Achievable:
Confirm that your design complies with permit requirements to avoid costly redesigns later.
Submit the Permit Application:
Engage with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) early in the process. Discuss your project with planners to ensure your application is complete and meets their expectations.
Go Through the Permit Review Process:
Pay necessary fees and work with inspectors during the review phase.
Close the Permit:
At the end of the project, track updates to permits and ensure they are properly closed out. Examples include certificates of occupancy or stormwater permits.

Big Warning: Do Your Research Early:

The biggest takeaway is this: early preparation is key. Create a checklist, outline the steps visually, and ensure your team is aligned on every aspect of the permitting process. A lack of research or communication can lead to costly delays and even project failure.

Remember, getting a construction permit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate the process smoothly.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Are Your Blind Spots Holding You Back, Or Are You Seeing Everything With Lean Systems?

Posted on February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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Are Your Blind Spots Holding You Back? The Power of Seeing in Lean Systems

In lean construction, the ability to see is critical. Whether it’s A3 reports, Gemba walks, production plans, or pull planning, all lean systems are built on visibility. If you can’t see the work, the plan, or the obstacles, you can’t effectively manage them.

This blog explores why visual management is essential for lean implementation and how you can create a system where planners, foremen, and field workers can see, understand, and act together.

Lean is About Seeing:

While lean is not solely about seeing, every lean system enhances visibility. If a team cannot see workflow, track progress, or identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies remain hidden.

This is where the IDS framework (Identify, Discuss, Solve) from Gino Wickman’s Traction becomes valuable. While computers and AI can process vast amounts of data, people need clear, visual tools to identify problems, collaborate on solutions, and take action.

Let’s examine how visual management applies at different stages of a construction project.

Pre-Construction: Seeing Before Work Begins:

A successful lean project starts with a clear visual plan before a single shovel hits the ground. This means ensuring that:

Production plans are documented and accessible.
Zones, logistics, and trailer layouts are mapped out.
Procurement schedules and risk registers are visible.

Even before the physical project exists, teams should be able to visualize it—whether through digital models, sketches, or physical mock-ups.

According to How Big Things Get Done, one of the biggest factors in successful projects is early visualization. If the pre-construction team can’t see the plan, the field teams will struggle to execute it effectively.

Foremen and Visual Planning:

Once work begins, keeping foremen aligned with the larger plan is crucial. They don’t need to see every detail at once, but they do need focused, up-to-date information.

Takt Steering and Control Boards:

One of the most effective tools for foremen is the Takt Steering and Control Board, which provides:

An overview of production plans.
Zone maps for tracking work progress.
Logistics layouts to coordinate site operations.

Gathering foremen around these boards in the job site trailer creates a shared visual workspace where issues can be identified and resolved systematically. With a structured process for reviewing and marking roadblocks, teams can address challenges before they impact production.

Field Workers: Ensuring Everyone Sees the Plan:

Even if leadership and foremen understand the plan, the next challenge is ensuring that every worker on-site has access to the right information at the right time.

Daily Huddles and Crew Boards:

For true lean implementation, workers must have immediate access to:

Daily work plans (easily accessible via QR codes).
Weather updates and safety alerts.
Crane movements and restricted areas.
Material laydown locations.

Morning huddles play a crucial role in this process, providing a space for team coordination, feedback, and planning. Workers need more than verbal instructions; they need visual references that reinforce expectations for the day.

On-Site Visual Management:

Beyond overall planning, crews also benefit from localized visual boards placed directly within their work areas. Some projects take this even further with:

Floor boards that show valve locations, benchmarks, and key site details.
Area boards that provide logistics updates for specific sections of the site.

By ensuring that visual tools are available at every level—from project managers to field crews—teams can minimize confusion and maximize efficiency.

Lean = Seeing:

Every lean system is a seeing system:

Pull planning relies on visual workflow management.
Takt planning uses clear, structured schedules.
KPIs provide a visual representation of performance.
Value stream mapping creates transparency in processes.

If critical information is buried in spreadsheets, scattered across emails, or locked in a superintendent’s head, it is not lean—it is a blind spot.

The key to effective lean implementation is making everything visible. From pre-construction planning to daily execution, lean systems should enable total participation through visual management.

Conclusion

Lean is all about visibility—if you can’t see the plan, track progress, or identify obstacles, inefficiencies will persist. From pre-construction to daily execution, implementing visual management systems ensures that everyone on the project can see, understand, and act together. By embracing these principles, you’ll eliminate blind spots, improve collaboration, and drive real progress on your projects.

If you want to learn more we have:

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The Paul Akers Lifestyle: Can His Approach Transform Your Workflow?

Posted on February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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The Paul Akers Lifestyle: Can His Approach Transform Your Workflow?

I love this topic! If you know me, you know I’m a huge fan of Paul Akers. Out of all the lean influencers, books, and methods out there, Paul is right at the top. Why? Because he doesn’t just teach lean—he lives it. His approach is simple, effective, and built around radical sharing.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the incredible free resources he offers that can help transform your workflow and your life. Stick with me—this is a gem!

Who is Paul Akers?

Paul Akers is the author of several must-read books, including 2 Second Lean, Lean Life, and Lean Health. He’s also the founder of FastCap, a company that started with a simple innovation—a screw hole cover—and grew into a powerhouse of lean manufacturing.

Paul’s lean journey began when he hired Japanese consultants who bluntly told him, “You don’t know how to manufacture.” That was the wake-up call that led him to study lean principles deeply, refine them, and build a system that anyone can apply.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Paul, featuring him on my podcast, and even traveling to Japan with him. We reference his methods constantly in our company, and they’ve transformed how we work. Now, let’s see how they can work for you.

How the 2 Second Lean Approach Can Transform Your Workflow:

If you read 2 Second Lean, read it again. Seriously. It didn’t fully click for me until the second read, and I know I’m not alone in that.

Paul simplifies lean into something anyone can understand and apply. It boils down to the 3S System:

Sort – Get rid of what you don’t need.
Straighten (Set in Order) – Organize what remains.
Sweep (Shine) – Clean your workspace.

By making this a daily habit, you start seeing inefficiencies everywhere. Paul encourages teams to “fix what bugs you”—because those little annoyances are signs of waste.

Speaking of waste, he teaches about the eight wastes of lean:

Overproduction.
Excess inventory.
Unnecessary motion.
Transportation waste.
Defects.
Overprocessing (fixing defects).
Waiting.
Not utilizing team genius.

When you and your team memorize these, you’ll start spotting waste everywhere. The key? Make two-second improvements every day. That’s it. Just two seconds of improvement can lead to massive change over time.

And here’s the kicker—Paul insists on capturing before and after pictures or videos. Why? Because sharing improvements amplifies the impact across the whole organization.

We’ve applied these principles to construction projects and businesses, and the results have been phenomenal.

How to Apply Lean Principles in Your Daily Life:

Paul doesn’t just stop at work—he extends lean thinking to life itself. His book Lean Life lays out simple principles for decluttering and optimizing every aspect of your day. Here are the key takeaways:

Apply lean principles daily.
Simplify and declutter your life.
Focus on what truly matters—relationships, health, and meaningful work.
Be proactive, not reactive.
Track your progress if you want to improve.
Build positive habits that become second nature.
Learn to say no to things that drain your time and energy.
Simplify decision-making and automate repetitive tasks.
Prioritize relationships—they have the most lasting impact.
Practice gratitude daily.

These might seem like common-sense ideas, but Paul makes them actionable and easy to implement. His 2 Second Lean Play app and free PDFs (available in multiple languages) make it even easier to get started.

What Lean Health Principles Are About:

Lean Health is the only health system that has truly worked for me. Paul breaks it down into a simple philosophy: Treat your body like a Ferrari.

Think about it—if you owned a Ferrari, you wouldn’t fill it with cheap gas or skip maintenance, right? Your body deserves the same level of care.

Here are Paul’s core health principles:

Make health a priority.
Keep your routine simple.
Exercise regularly in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Eat whole, natural foods (80% veggies and fruit, 20% lean protein).
Get enough sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Take care of your mental health. (Paul encouraged me to get a therapist, and it was life-changing.)
Track your health with apps and metrics.
Focus on illness prevention.
Eliminate toxic habits.
Stay consistent.

Personally, I’ve been following Paul’s approach, and I feel healthier than ever. I’m working towards doing 100 push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and lat pull-downs daily. This structured, progressive approach has made a huge difference.

Could Living a Paul Akers Lifestyle Help You?

For me, the answer is a resounding YES.

Paul Akers’ 2 Second Lean philosophy proves that small, consistent improvements can lead to massive transformations—whether in your workflow, daily life, or health. By simplifying, eliminating waste, and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement, you can create lasting, positive change. Start with just a two-second improvement today, and watch how it compounds over time.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Why Is Respect For People The Key To Your Success?

Posted on February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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Why Respect for People Is Key to Your Success

Respect for people isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic advantage. In this blog, we’ll explore why prioritizing respect in the workplace benefits not only individuals but also businesses as a whole.

If you’re looking for a clear framework on how to balance respect with efficiency, stay with us—we’ve got you covered.

The Benefits of Respecting People:

At the core of any successful organization are the people who make it run. No matter your beliefs, one thing is clear: treating people with respect leads to better outcomes.

Society may have systems in place for discipline, rehabilitation, and governance, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on people. Instead, we should focus on long-term improvement—both individually and collectively.

Now, let’s break down the key benefits of respect in leadership and workplace culture.

Respect Empowers People:

When employees feel valued and included in decision-making, they take ownership of their work. Neuroscience backs this up—when people are forced into compliance, their brains release cortisol, a stress hormone that fosters disconnection. But when they are given autonomy and respect, their brains release oxytocin, which strengthens collaboration and engagement.

Empowerment leads to better performance and a stronger sense of commitment.

Respect Fosters Collaboration & A Positive Environment:

When people respect each other, workplace conflicts decrease. Miscommunication, power struggles, and unnecessary risk-shifting fade away, making room for true collaboration.

A respectful environment fosters strong relationships, which are the foundation of a successful team.

Respect Builds Trust:

Trust is the backbone of any high-performing team. When people trust each other, they can engage in healthy conflict, set ambitious goals, and hold each other accountable.

Stephen Covey’s concept of the “Speed of Trust” highlights that organizations with high trust levels operate more efficiently, with fewer barriers slowing them down.

Respect Increases Retention & Loyalty:

If you think investing in training and development is expensive, consider the cost of high employee turnover. Respecting your employees not only improves their experience at work but also encourages them to stay long-term.

A team that feels valued will continuously improve and contribute to a thriving workplace culture.

Respect Encourages People to Do Better:

Disrespect, micromanagement, and fear-based leadership do not inspire excellence. In fact, fear leads to miscommunication, poor morale, and bad decision-making.

On the other hand, respect boosts morale, encourages skill development, and creates a work environment where people genuinely want to perform at their best.

Respect Is the Only Ethical Way to Lead:

Beyond all the practical benefits, leading with respect is simply the right thing to do. It aligns with long-term success and sustainable leadership.

Without respect, Lean principles cannot be properly implemented. A business cannot thrive, teams cannot collaborate, and individuals cannot grow.

Now, here’s a challenge: How can you apply these principles in your workplace today? Let’s work together to solve the problem of workplace disrespect and create an industry where respect is the foundation of success.

If you want to learn more we have:

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The Cult Of Disrespect For People: Why Is Escaping So Difficult?

Posted on February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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The Cult of Disrespect for People – Why Is Escaping So Difficult?

The cult of disrespect for people is rampant in the construction industry, yet many struggle to escape its grip. In this blog, I’ll break down why this toxic mindset persists, how it affects workers, and what we can do to break free.

What Is a Cult?

A cult is typically a group that employs manipulative, exploitative, and coercive behavior. When we merge this concept with disrespect for people, we see a system that prioritizes profits over human well-being.

To illustrate this, let me share a personal story.

The Root Cause of CPM’s Ineffectiveness:

I’ve spent a lot of time criticizing the Critical Path Method (CPM)—not because of the tool itself, but because of the mindset behind its widespread misuse. I even wrote a book on this, titled:

“CPM Is Not Great: How the Cult of Disrespect for People Uses CPM to Ruin Everything.”

The problem isn’t CPM; it’s the culture surrounding it.

Consider how disrespect for people is embedded in various aspects of construction:

Classical management: Leaders focus on profits and ignore workers’ well-being.
Taylorism & worker exploitation: The system prioritizes efficiency over humanity.
CPM scheduling: Workers are constantly rushed, pushed, and panicked—at the cost of their health and families.
Site conditions: No bathrooms, no lunchrooms, no basic respect for workers’ needs.

At the root of all these issues? A fundamental disregard for people.

The Devastating Effects of This System:

This disrespect isn’t just an inconvenience—it has deadly consequences.

The suicide rate in construction is 53 per 100,000, compared to 38 per 100,000 for U.S. veterans and 11 per 100,000 for the general population. That means construction workers are nearly five times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.

Why? Because of a chain reaction:

Injuries lead to chronic pain.
Chronic pain leads to opioid addiction.
Addiction leads to financial issues, divorces, and child custody battles.
Workers, already struggling with overtime, sleep deprivation, and job instability, spiral into crisis.

And what causes the injuries in the first place? Bad systems. Bad processes. A focus on profit over people.

Why Is It So Hard to Escape?

If we know the problem, why don’t we fix it? Because the current system benefits those in power:

Building owners: They don’t have much incentive to adopt better systems like Takt planning or Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) since they require more responsibility.
Owner’s reps: They can hide inefficiencies in CPM schedules and blame the team instead.
General contractors & designers: They can take shortcuts and avoid accountability.

So, escaping this cult isn’t just about switching tools—it’s about breaking a deeply ingrained mindset.

How to Escape the Cult of Disrespect for People:

If we want real change, we need to take deliberate steps to escape this toxic cycle:

Get educated. Understand what respect for people really means.
Prioritize employees over clients. Workers should come first—always.
Recognize harmful systems. Stop using push-based planning methods like CPM and poorly implemented Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) that harm workers.
Get angry. The system won’t change unless people demand it.

Are You Stuck in the Cult?

Here are some signs that you might be trapped in this system:

Working excessive hours and missing time with family.
Being blamed for others’ mistakes.
Seeing your team trade-stacked and overburdened without care.
Being yelled at in meetings.
Not having proper site facilities like bathrooms and break areas.

If any of this sounds familiar, you are in the cult of disrespect for people.

But there is a way out. We must demand change and refuse to accept systems that dehumanize workers.

That’s why I love Takt planning—because it ensures that no system can function at the expense of human well-being.

Let’s hold the line together. Change is possible, but only if we commit to breaking free from the cult.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How To Fail At Being A Lean Influencer

Posted on February 12, 2025February 12, 2025 by Jason Schroeder

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How to Fail at Being a Lean Influencer

If you’ve ever wondered what not to do as a Lean influencer, this blog is for you. I’ve enjoyed making “How to Fail” content, and today, I’m diving into the biggest mistakes you can make in the Lean space. If you appreciate a little sarcasm, and hopefully a few laughs, keep reading!

How to Fail: Writing Badly Written White Papers

One of my biggest pet peeves is the terrible quality of white papers in Lean. Kevin Rice and I read these papers all the time—whether from universities, institutes, or associations—and they’re often a nightmare. They’re overly referenced, incoherent, and filled with complex jargon that makes them nearly unreadable.

Some are so bad we have to run them through ChatGPT just to make sense of them! I once read a paper that contradicted itself multiple times by referencing other papers, making it impossible to follow any logical conclusion.

If you want to fail as a Lean influencer, write confusing, over-referenced white papers that no one can understand. But if you actually want to make an impact, focus on clarity, grammar, and logical flow in your writing.

How to Fail: Detaching from the Field

Another big mistake? Losing touch with real-world implementation. Some Lean influencers struggle to implement Lean in the field, so they give up and retreat into academia. Suddenly, they’re full-time theorists, pontificating about Lean without actually working on the ground.

There’s nothing wrong with pursuing academic knowledge, but detaching from the field can create an air of arrogance. If you’re no longer involved in real-world implementation, your ideas become theoretical rather than practical. Stay connected to fieldwork if you want to remain relevant and effective.

How to Fail: Putting Everything Behind a Paywall

This one drives me crazy. So many companies and influencers are hiding valuable information behind paywalls. We believe at Elevate and LeanTakt that information should be free—only services should cost money.

I’ve seen companies develop great tools, only to lock them behind expensive subscriptions that make them inaccessible. If everything is behind a paywall, people won’t learn, and Lean won’t spread. If you want to fail, make everything proprietary. If you want to succeed, share freely and help others grow.

How to Fail: Being Rude

Some Lean influencers focus more on being famous than being helpful. They attack others, criticize without reason, and stir up drama instead of building connections.

Real Lean influencers—like Marco and Yos, Felipe Engineer, Paul Lures, Keon Xandy, and Joe Donarumo—don’t waste time tearing others down. They focus on collaboration, learning, and improving the industry. If you’re more interested in being right than being helpful, you’re failing at being a Lean influencer.

How to Fail: Lacking Experience

Nothing is worse than someone teaching Lean who has never actually done it. I’ve seen people give advice on running projects when they’ve never led one.

Toyota’s philosophy is clear: if you want to improve a system, you must have experience in it. Lean is built on real-world application, and without hands-on experience, your advice lacks credibility.

How to Fail: Lack of Alignment

The Lean community should be working together, not against each other. Yet, I see people dismissing great tools simply because they weren’t the ones who created them.

At Elevate and LeanTakt, we integrate Scrum, Last Planner, Takt, and other methods to build a well-rounded Lean system. The only thing we actively criticize is CPM—because it simply doesn’t work. But when it comes to Lean tools, we should be refining and improving them, not rejecting them outright.

Encouraging Lean Influencers to Be Better:

If you see Lean influencers hiding everything behind paywalls, writing incoherent papers, or being unnecessarily negative, speak up! Ask for better content, more transparency, and a focus on real-world experience.

The best Lean influencers are the ones who share, collaborate, and contribute to the industry’s growth. If we all work together, we can build something truly impactful.

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