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

Read 9 min

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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:

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

Read 10 min

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:

  1. Sort – Get rid of what you don’t need.
  2. Straighten (Set in Order) – Organize what remains.
  3. 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:

  1. Apply lean principles daily.
  2. Simplify and declutter your life.
  3. Focus on what truly matters—relationships, health, and meaningful work.
  4. Be proactive, not reactive.
  5. Track your progress if you want to improve.
  6. Build positive habits that become second nature.
  7. Learn to say no to things that drain your time and energy.
  8. Simplify decision-making and automate repetitive tasks.
  9. Prioritize relationships—they have the most lasting impact.
  10. 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:

  1. Make health a priority.
  2. Keep your routine simple.
  3. Exercise regularly in a way that fits your lifestyle.
  4. Eat whole, natural foods (80% veggies and fruit, 20% lean protein).
  5. Get enough sleep.
  6. Stay hydrated.
  7. Take care of your mental health. (Paul encouraged me to get a therapist, and it was life-changing.)
  8. Track your health with apps and metrics.
  9. Focus on illness prevention.
  10. Eliminate toxic habits.
  11. 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:

-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

Why Is Respect For People The Key To Your Success?

Read 7 min

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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:

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

Read 8 min

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:

-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

How To Fail At Being A Lean Influencer

Read 8 min

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.

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

Residential: Running Lean In The Field

Read 10 min

Running Lean in Residential Construction: Practical Strategies for the Field

I often get asked, “Jason, how can we implement lean construction concepts in the field without making it overly complex?” Many residential projects don’t have large teams or the same level of resources as commercial jobs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t apply lean principles effectively. In this blog, I’ll cover key strategies you can implement right away to improve efficiency and productivity on your residential projects.

  1. Just-in-Time Deliveries:

One of the most impactful lean strategies is just-in-time (JIT) deliveries. If you have a solid production plan in place (which you should before starting your project), you’ll know exactly when trade partners need to arrive and when materials should be on-site.

Here’s how to make JIT deliveries work:

  • For long-lead items, ensure they arrive with a small buffer before installation to prevent delays.
  • For easily available materials, schedule deliveries to arrive just in time at the specific work zone, reducing laydown space needs and keeping the site organized.
  • Use a simple procurement log to track materials and stay ahead of supply chain delays.

I’ve used this approach in residential projects myself, and it works. You just need to plan ahead and stay disciplined in execution.

  1. Implement the Last Planner® System:

The Last Planner System (LPS) is an excellent way to keep your project on track. A great resource on this is The Lean Builder by Joe and Keon, which breaks down lean principles in a practical way. Here’s how you can apply LPS in residential construction:

  • Master Schedule: Have a clear project roadmap from start to finish.
  • Pull Planning: If possible, engage trade partners in a collaborative scheduling session to define the ideal sequence of work. If a full pull plan isn’t feasible, at least share a structured sequence with trade input.
  • Look-Ahead Planning: Even if your trades don’t actively participate, you should conduct a six-week look-ahead plan yourself to remove roadblocks before they impact progress.
  • Weekly Work Plan: Communicate the plan for the upcoming week through meetings, messages, or digital platforms. Everyone should know what’s expected.
  • Daily Check-ins: Track completed work daily or at least review progress at the end of each week.
  1. Replace Daily Huddles with Huddle Boards:

If you’re managing multiple residential projects, daily huddles might not be realistic. Instead, use huddle boards—physical or digital—to keep trade partners aligned.

  • Post the weekly work plan in a visible location.
  • Update progress regularly so trades always know what’s next.
  • If you only visit a project a couple of times a week, ensure the board is accurate and up to date for the days you’re not there.

This simple change keeps communication flowing without requiring in-person meetings every day.

  1. Maintain a Clean and Organized Site with 3S or 5S:

A clean job site improves safety, efficiency, and visibility. Residential projects should be just as clean as commercial ones. Apply the 3S system (or full 5S if possible):

  • Sort: Remove unnecessary materials and tools.
  • Straighten: Organize everything properly.
  • Sweep/Shine: Keep the site clean every day.
  • (Optional) Standardize: Create a routine for keeping the site organized.
  • (Optional) Sustain: Ensure this becomes a habit for everyone on-site.

Teaching your trades about these principles and maintaining a clean workspace will drastically improve productivity.

  1. Focus on Continuous Improvement (Kaizen):

Once your project is stable—meaning you’re following lean principles consistently—you can start making incremental improvements. Ask yourself and your team:

  • What’s not working well?
  • What small changes can we make to fix it?
  • How can we refine our processes for the next project?

Even a quick 15-minute discussion with trade partners can lead to valuable insights and improvements.

  1. Implement Takt Planning for Repetitive Residential Projects:

If you’re working on multi-family housing, townhomes, or any repetitive home-building process, Takt planning is essential. This method:

  • Aligns trades to work at a steady rhythm.
  • Ensures work progresses smoothly from zone to zone.
  • Reduces bottlenecks and delays.
  1. Standardize Work to Improve Efficiency:

Standardizing key processes can make residential construction much more efficient. Here’s how:

  • Create clear production plans that everyone follows.
  • Use standardized procurement logs and huddle boards.
  • Develop installation guides with pictures and key instructions.
  • Document best practices and common mistakes for trade partners to reference.

The more you can standardize, the smoother your projects will run.

  1. Consider Prefabrication and Modularization:

If you consistently face bottlenecks in certain areas of construction, prefabrication or modularization could be a game-changer. For example:

  • Prefabricating framing elements off-site can save significant time.
  • Modular components (like kitchens or bathrooms) can streamline installation.

Evaluate where prefabrication could remove complexity from your project.

  1. Make Everything More Visual:

A core principle of lean is visual management—helping teams see what they need to see at a glance. Ask yourself:

  • Can my production plan be displayed more clearly?
  • Are procurement logs visible to everyone?
  • Are huddle boards easy to read and reference?

The more visual your system, the more effective it will be.

Final Thoughts:

Even though residential projects are fast-paced and might seem simpler than commercial builds, they can still benefit from lean construction principles. By implementing just-in-time deliveries, Last Planner System, Takt planning, standardized work, and continuous improvement, you’ll see dramatic improvements in efficiency and project outcomes.

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

What Is CMAR In Construction?

Read 9 min

Understanding CM at Risk in Construction

What Is CM at Risk?

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is a project delivery method that brings the construction manager (CM) into the process early—allowing for better planning, cost control, and risk management. Unlike design-bid-build, where the contractor is only responsible for building based on completed designs, CMAR integrates preconstruction planning with execution, leading to a smoother construction process.

Having worked on CMAR projects, IPD (Integrated Project Delivery), and design-build projects, I’ve seen firsthand how CMAR improves project outcomes. In this blog, I’ll break down what CMAR is, how it works, and why it’s a powerful alternative to traditional project delivery methods.

What Does a Construction Manager Do?

In a CMAR contract, the construction manager plays a key role during Pre-construction and construction. In the Pre-construction phase, the CM works closely with the owner and design team to:

  • Conduct constructability reviews to identify potential issues early.
  • Provide real-time scheduling updates to keep the project on track.
  • Offer budget analysis to ensure the project stays within financial limits.
  • Bring in trade partners early to improve coordination.

Once preconstruction is complete, the CM transitions into the role of the general contractor (GC) at risk—taking full responsibility for executing the project.

How the Construction Manager Becomes the General Contractor at Risk:

The transition from CM to GC at risk happens when:

  1. A Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is established.
  2. The Prime Agreement is signed.
  3. A Notice to Proceed (NTP) is issued.

At this stage, the CM assumes financial and performance risk, meaning they are responsible for delivering the project within the agreed-upon budget and schedule. Unlike in design-bid-build—where planning and execution are separate—the CMAR approach ensures that the same team that planned the project is also responsible for building it.

What Is the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)?

The Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is the highest amount the owner will pay for the project. If costs exceed this amount, the general contractor is responsible unless the overruns are due to approved change orders.

If the project comes in under budget, there may be a shared savings clause—but this isn’t always guaranteed. In many cases, the GC will reinvest savings into labor, equipment, or project enhancements.

This structure gives owners cost certainty while holding the GC accountable for managing risks effectively.

Risk Allocation in CMAR vs. Design-Bid-Build:

One of the key differences between CMAR and design-bid-build is how risk is allocated.

In design-bid-build, the GC is only responsible for building what’s on the plans. If there’s missing or unclear information, neither the designer nor the contractor assumes responsibility, leading to costly change orders. This issue is known as the Spearin Gap—a legal loophole where the owner often ends up paying for design inconsistencies.

With CMAR, the CM is involved in preconstruction, which reduces design errors and narrows the Spearin Gap. In design-build, this gap is almost eliminated because the construction and design teams work as a single entity.

Owner Involvement in CMAR vs. Design-Bid-Build:

In a CMAR contract, the owner plays a more active role throughout the project compared to design-bid-build. Instead of just selecting a contractor after the design is completed, the owner collaborates with the CM from the beginning—leading to better decision-making and project alignment.

The CMAR Environment: Planning, Procurement, and Execution:

The CMAR approach allows for:

  • Early procurement of materials, reducing delays.
  • Better Pre-construction planning, minimizing risks.
  • Fast-tracking construction by overlapping design and build phases.
  • Phased project releases, allowing work to begin while design is finalized.

These advantages contribute to a more efficient construction timeline and improved project outcomes.

Pros & Cons of CM at Risk:

Pros:

  • Better cost control – The CM is involved early, ensuring budget alignment.
  • Improved collaboration – Owners, designers, and contractors work together from the start.
  • Faster project delivery – Pre-construction planning reduces delays.
  • Expert guidance – The CM provides real-time input during design.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront costs – Early involvement requires investment in Pre-construction services.
  • Limited competitive bidding – Unlike design-bid-build, CMAR doesn’t rely on lowest-bid selection.
  • Reduced flexibility after GMP – Once the GMP is set, changes require formal change orders.

Final Thoughts:

CMAR is commonly used on large commercial projects due to its ability to improve collaboration, cost control, and overall project efficiency. For projects that aren’t ready for a full Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contract, IPD Light—which combines CMAR with IPD principles—can be an excellent alternative.

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

Residential: Using The IPCS™ Method

Read 8 min

IPCS™ Method for Residential Projects

Managing residential construction projects can be challenging. Even though they are smaller in scale compared to commercial projects, they still require careful planning, coordination, and execution. That’s where the Integrated Production Control System (IPCS™) method comes in.

The IPCS™ method is a structured approach that combines lean construction principles to improve project efficiency and reduce delays. In this blog, we’ll go over the key components of IPCS™ and how you can apply them to residential projects.

  1. Pre-Planning is Essential:

Even for small residential projects, pre-planning is the most important step. You may not have months to plan like in commercial projects, but taking the time to create a solid plan before starting work will make a huge difference.

Here are a few key things to focus on during pre-planning:

  • Project schedule: Define the major milestones.
  • Site logistics: Plan for material deliveries and storage.
  • Procurement: Order long-lead items early.
  • Trade partner coordination: Align schedules to avoid delays.

A well-planned project runs more smoothly and avoids last-minute surprises.

  1. Build the Right Team:

Your team is more than just your in-house staff—it includes clients, trade partners, and suppliers. The success of your project depends on how well you work with them.

Make sure to:

  • Develop strong relationships with trade partners.
  • Communicate clearly and regularly with clients.
  • Treat everyone as a valuable part of the project.

When everyone is on the same page, work progresses faster and more efficiently.

  1. Have a Clear Plan:

A structured schedule is crucial for keeping a residential project on track. Using a time-by-location format ensures that work is well-coordinated and efficient.

A good plan should:

  • Define the sequence of work in each area of the project.
  • Align procurement with production so materials arrive on time.
  • Set clear start dates for trade partners to prevent delays.

Without a solid plan, it’s easy to fall behind schedule.

  1. Stay on Top of Procurement:

One of the biggest causes of delays in residential projects is late material deliveries. Managing procurement properly will keep your project moving smoothly.

Tips for better procurement management:

  • Identify long-lead materials and order them early.
  • Use a visual tracking system to monitor deliveries.
  • Review procurement status regularly to avoid surprises.

The goal is to have everything on-site when it’s needed—not too early, not too late.

  1. Keep the Job Site Clean and Organized:

A well-managed job site is clean, safe, and organized. Even in residential construction, maintaining high standards makes a big difference.

Best practices for on-site management:

  • Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for mess and disorganization.
  • Expect all workers to clean up as they go.
  • Follow the same safety standards as commercial projects.

A tidy job site improves efficiency and reduces accidents and rework.

  1. Plan With Your Trade Partners:

Regular coordination with trade partners keeps everything running smoothly. Even if you can’t meet in person, a weekly planning session ensures that everyone knows what’s coming next.

Ways to improve planning with trades:

  • Hold weekly virtual or in-person meetings to review progress.
  • Map out the schedule for the next week so trades are prepared.
  • Keep communication open to resolve issues quickly.

Good coordination prevents delays and keeps work flowing.

  1. Use a Huddle Board for On-Site Communication:

If you’re not on-site every day, a huddle board is a great way to keep the team informed. It acts as a centralized place for important project information.

What to include on your huddle board:

  • Production plan: A visual overview of the schedule.
  • Weekly work plan: Tasks and priorities for the week.
  • Site logistics: Delivery schedules and storage areas.
  • Important updates: Any changes or issues to be aware of.

This simple tool helps everyone stay aligned and informed.

Key Takeaway:

Even in residential construction, applying lean principles through the IPCS™ method can significantly improve project efficiency. By focusing on pre-planning, strong team coordination, structured scheduling, proactive procurement, site organization, and clear communication, you can reduce delays, improve workflow, and deliver better results. Small projects don’t mean small challenges—a structured approach is key to success.

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

Foreman Series: Zone Handoffs

Read 7 min

Foreman Series: Mastering Zone Handoffs for Seamless Project Flow

In this blog, we’re going to dive into zone handoffs—one of the most critical aspects of maintaining flow on a project site. As a foreman, you play the most important role in ensuring that work progresses smoothly. Managing your handoffs effectively will not only help you stay on track with target dates but also improve productivity for the entire job site.

I’ll break it down into specific, actionable tips that will help you ensure clean, efficient transitions between crews.

How Zone Handoffs Work:

At its core, a handoff is simply transitioning work from one trade to another. Imagine a 40,000-square-foot interior space divided into multiple zones. These zones should be balanced not by area but by work density, ensuring each one has a manageable workload.

As you complete your work in one zone, the next trade must move in seamlessly—just like a relay race where one runner passes the baton to the next. To make this transition smooth, your role as a foreman is to ensure the handoff is clean, safe, and ready for the next crew.

What Crews Need When Handing Off Zones:

A successful handoff isn’t just about finishing your own work—it’s about setting up the next crew for success. When transitioning a zone, ensure that:

  • It’s Clean: No debris or leftover materials.
  • It’s Safe: Handrails, safety features, and hazard-free conditions are in place.
  • It’s Inspected: All required inspections are complete.
  • It’s Demobilized: Your crew has cleared out and is ready to move to the next zone.

Think of the crew following you as your customer—the better experience you provide, the smoother the entire project will flow.

Planning, Building, and Reflecting in Each Zone:

To maintain efficiency, follow this three-step process:

  • Plan the Zone: Before work begins, involve the crew in planning the workflow and handoff strategy.
  • Build the Work: Execute the plan while keeping quality and safety in check.
  • Reflect & Review: Before moving on, conduct a post-mortem review to ensure everything is ready for the next trade.

This process mirrors the structure of a football play—you call the play, execute it, and then review what worked and what needs improvement.

When to Do Zone Handoffs:

Handoffs should be clearly identified on your weekly work plan. The general contractor should mark all handoff activities (ideally with an H) so that crews know exactly when transitions need to occur.

As a foreman, you should constantly be asking:

  • Is the work behind us finished and punched out?
  • Is the work ahead of us ready for our crew to begin?

If you’re hitting your handoff dates consistently, your pace is on track, and your crew is set up for success.

The Ideal Handoff Percentage for Successful Projects:

For a project to flow efficiently, the perfect handoff percentage should be above 80%. While 100% is ideal, maintaining a consistent 80%+ means crews are keeping pace and minimizing delays.

To achieve this:

  • Know your handoff dates and communicate them clearly.
  • Prepare your crew to hit these targets consistently.
  • Treat the next trade like your customer by ensuring the zone is truly ready for them.

If everyone on-site follows these principles, the project will flow smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.

Mastering zone handoffs is key to keeping a project on schedule and ensuring that each trade can work efficiently. Implement these principles, and you’ll see a major improvement in your crew’s performance.

 

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

Are Lean Influencers Transforming Construction?

Read 8 min

Are Lean Influencers Transforming Construction?

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of lean influencers in the construction industry. As someone who strives to contribute to the lean movement, I want to reflect on whether we, as lean influencers, are truly making a difference. I’ll share key insights on what lean is, how influencers are helping (or not), and provide some guidance for those looking to amplify their impact. Let’s dive in.

What Is Lean?

Lean is all about continuous improvement and eliminating waste. At its core, lean in construction focuses on:

  • Respect for people and resources.
  • Stability (one piece, one process, one progress).
  • Flow (working in sync with Takt time and visual systems).
  • Total participation (everyone is engaged in the process).
  • Quality (delivering excellence through continuous improvement).

These six pillars define how we optimize construction workflows while ensuring a people-first approach.

What Is a Lean Influencer?

A lean influencer is someone who spreads awareness, shares knowledge, and encourages the adoption of lean principles. Whether through social media, books, podcasts, or other platforms, these individuals aim to help teams and organizations work smarter, not harder.

The question is: Are we truly helping the industry progress, or are we just adding to the noise? Here are five ways lean influencers can positively impact construction.

  1. Sharing Content That is Simple & Understandable:

One of the best things about lean influencers is their ability to share valuable content. Whether it’s through YouTube, LinkedIn, or blog posts, the goal should be to make lean concepts simple, clear, and practical.

A key lesson I’ve learned is this: If your audience doesn’t understand your content, it’s not their fault—it’s yours. We must focus on:

  • Creating clear, engaging visuals.
  • Avoiding overly technical or dense explanations.
  • Making lean practical and applicable.

When lean influencers simplify complex ideas, they help more people adopt and implement them.

  1. Helping to Figure Things Out:

Lean is always evolving, and influencers play a huge role in experimenting, refining, and improving ideas. Take Takt planning, for example. I didn’t invent it—many people developed and refined it over time. My role (and that of other influencers) was to connect the dots, test what works, and share insights.

The best lean influencers:

  • Give credit to those who came before them.
  • Contribute to ongoing improvements.
  • Remain open to learning from others.

If we are truly helping the industry, we’re not just promoting our own methods—we’re refining and expanding on the work of many.

  1. Adding Value First:

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that giving value comes before asking for anything in return. If we focus on adding value, everything else follows.

Ways to add value as a lean influencer:

  • Share templates, tools, and insights for free.
  • Provide genuine help and guidance without a sales pitch.
  • Focus on solving real problems for people in the industry.

If you want to make a real impact as a lean influencer, adopt this mindset: Give. Share. Help. Then, let the results speak for themselves.

  1. Building Meaningful Connections:

The best influencers aren’t just broadcasting information—they’re connecting with people. Some of my favorite examples:

  • Felipe Engineer – Shares insights on Scrum while fostering connections.
  • Paul Akers – Builds networks of lean practitioners worldwide.
  • Marco Binninger & Janos Louie – Collaborate with lean professionals globally.

What do they all have in common? They engage, connect, and collaborate instead of working in isolation.

  1. Staying Open & Adaptable:

The worst thing a lean influencer can do is become rigid and closed off. Lean is about continuous improvement, which means we should always be evolving.

At Elevate, we update our books, improve our methods, and listen to feedback. Why? Because there’s always a better way.

The best lean influencers:

  • Stay open-minded and humble.
  • Avoid the trap of “one-size-fits-all” solutions.
  • Encourage experimentation and adaptation.

Are Lean Influencers Helping?

The short answer: Yes—if they follow these principles.

If you want to be a lean influencer, focus on clarity, value, connection, and continuous learning.

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