In this blog, I’m going to talk about sub-optimization.
I hope you’re doing well. I might sound a little rough today, I’ve got a sore throat but I still want to dive into this important topic.
First, some amazing feedback from a listener. He shared how my videos helped him make the jump from local government to the private sector and sparked new career growth. That makes me so happy to hear. Honestly, people aren’t successful because of me, they’re successful because they’re already awesome. Maybe I just help support them along the way.
Now, let’s talk about sub-optimization. I received a thoughtful message recently about whether systems like Last Planner System can be implemented bit by bit. The point was that maybe more people would adopt it if they could ease into it slowly. I love feedback like this, it challenges me to clarify my stance.
Here’s where I stand: improvements can be made bit by bit, but systems must be implemented as a whole. Think about a manufacturing line. If you only install one or two machines, you don’t get a product. You need the full line in place before you can improve each bottleneck one by one.
The confusion comes when people see Last Planner as just an “improvement” rather than a system. But it’s a full system, just like an HVAC setup or the human body. You install the system completely, and then you improve it step by step.
That’s why with Last Planner, you need all the components: master schedule, supply chain setup, right number of zones, look-aheads to make work ready, weekly work plans, roadblock removal, and team problem-solving. Those are the “pieces of equipment.” Only when they’re all there does the system run. Then you can improve one bottleneck at a time.
The same is true for TAC planning, Integrated Production Control, Scrum, or even Paul Akers’ Two-Second Lean. Paul didn’t just ask people to make tiny improvements, he set up the whole system first: cleanliness, organization, safety, daily huddles, memorizing waste, 5S, clear standards. Then the small daily improvements had meaning and traction.
So here’s the bottom line: systems must be implemented completely. Improvements can and should be made bit by bit. But if you try to roll out a system piece by piece, it will fail because the system won’t function in the first place.
On we go.
Key Takeaway
Systems must be implemented as a whole to function, while improvements can be made step by step. Confusing the two leads to sub-optimization and failure.
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
