Play Ball Orders. Why Great Leaders Do Not Wait for the Green Light?
In the heat of World War Two, General Patton was not just reacting to events. He was preparing for them. Days before Hitler launched the surprise Ardennes offensive, Patton had already instructed his staff to prepare movement plans just in case. So when the call came, he did not hesitate. He gave the command with two simple words: Play ball. That set his army in motion through winter storms and enemy resistance, ultimately helping to break the siege at Bastogne.
What does that have to do with construction?
A lot, actually.
The idea of play ball orders, planned steps for immediate execution once a delayed project gets the green light is something we recently adopted on our West Fillmore Lean Belt project. Delays from budgeting challenges, market conditions and tariffs slowed progress. But instead of sitting idle, we prepared every element from design and logistics to safety manuals, orientation documents and production planning.
We outlined everything clearly so that once the signal comes, we move fast.
Phase One: Billing and Contracts
Execute the prime agreement
Kick off billing
Begin subcontracting and insurance processes
Phase Two: Procurement and Engineering
Issue letters of intent
Start procurement for framing, concrete, steel, brick
Finalise switchgear release
Begin trade partner preparation
Phase Three: Site Services Activation
Connect temporary power, water and communications
Deploy dust control
Begin primary layout and control
Phase Four: Physical Site Setup
Bring in trailers, fencing, and signage
Set up access control
Align team roles and execution sequences
Once we hear play ball, no one waits for instructions. Everyone knows exactly what to do. It is immediate execution.
This mindset is more than good planning. It is about honouring your team’s time and momentum. If your project is in a holding pattern, waiting for permits, final designs or funding, use the time to prepare your own play ball orders. When the approval comes, you are not caught off guard.
Be like Patton. Be ready. Do not plan when you should be moving.
Key takeaway:
You do not need to wait for the green light to start preparing. Have your play ball orders ready so that when the time comes, your team can act immediately and confidently. In construction and in leadership, readiness wins.
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
