Humans Are Mirrors

Humans Are Mirrors

I want to share a concept that I absolutely love and have not written about before: the idea that human beings are mirrors. People reflect back how they are treated, both on construction projects and in life. When we approach others from a sincere win-win perspective, we create respect, trust, and collaboration. When we lead with disrespect or defensiveness, we get the same negativity reflected right back.

Gratitude and Shared Resources

Before I dive deeper, I want to pause to thank everyone who has been sending feedback. I continue to receive messages like: “I have been absorbing a lot of your content, amazing and enlightening. I am transitioning to the PM side and I want to apply your knowledge to my new role.”

That kind of encouragement means the world to me. It is also why we keep giving away so many free tools, templates, guides, signs, images, and more. Sharing these resources has grown into a full-time effort, and we even had to create template response emails to keep up. I only ask that if you use these resources, please keep our logos on them. That way, people can always find their way back to the original source for updates. We are happy to share freely to help companies and teams, but we are not interested in creating people who repurpose materials for profit.

On top of that, we have been developing more ways to support teams. For example, we recently posted simulation videos on the LeanTakt YouTube channel. These walk you through step by step how to run a project simulation. If you purchase a 3D printed kit from TaktEding, you can use our videos, Canva files, and Miro boards to run the exercise in-house. The goal is to empower teams so they do not have to depend on consultants. We want this work to be sustainable and repeatable for everyone.

The Root of Jobsite Behavior

Now let me get into the heart of this blog. At a recent boot camp, we were discussing behaviors, contracts, and how workers and trade partners are treated. One point I always emphasize is that graffiti in bathrooms, poor conditions, or workers urinating in bottles are not random events. They are a direct reflection of how people feel about their environment.

If workers feel disrespected, they reflect that back. Whether the disrespect is real or perceived almost does not matter. What matters is the experience people are having on the ground.

Too often, we approach construction like a fight. Contracts are loaded with penalties and adversarial clauses. Jobsite conditions are harsh. The mindset is defensive and tribal, as if we are in a constant struggle for resources. But in reality, people are simply mirroring the energy they receive.

The Mirror and the Rope

Kevin Rice uses a helpful analogy with a rope. If you pull on a rope, the other person naturally pulls back with equal or greater force. But if you present the rope as something to climb together, it becomes a shared tool to rise.

I like that analogy, but I prefer the mirror. Human beings reflect what they experience. If you treat people with respect, provide safe and clean jobsites, hold huddles, host barbecues, and welcome workers properly, they will reflect that energy back.

Of course, a small percentage of people may not, and they can choose to work elsewhere. But if you start with disrespect such as poor bathrooms, no parking, no smoking areas, and lack of eating spaces, you will get frustration, graffiti, and resistance mirrored back.

Contracts and Respect

The same principle applies to contracts. Harsh language, excessive penalties, and combative terms invite conflict in return. Yet there are better ways. Integrated Project Delivery contracts, design-build agreements, and even custom language created by forward-thinking companies have shown that collaboration can be built into the foundation of projects.

Do we still need contracts, provisions, and consequences? Absolutely. But the way we frame them can either breed hostility or invite cooperation.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the truth is simple. Human beings are mirrors. When we lead with respect, the majority of people will reflect that back. When we lead with fear or disrespect, we should not be surprised when we see it mirrored right in front of us.

Key Takeaway:
When you approach workers, partners, or teams with respect and fairness, they reflect that back. When you lead with conflict and disrespect, that too will come back to you.