Desire, Capability, and Respect
I want to share a lesson that has shaped the way I lead and think about construction. The topic is desire, capability, and respect. Desire is not the same as capability, and when someone does not have the capacity or training for a task, it can become both dangerous and disrespectful.Why Desire Isn’t Enough
I once heard Jocko say that desire and capability are very different things. You can have the drive, the energy, and even the intelligence to do something, but if you are not capable or trained, that enthusiasm can quickly turn into risk. I learned this lesson early on in my time at DPR, under leaders who emphasized verification of training. You don’t send workers into a task they’re not trained for, no matter how eager they might be. Think about it: an inexperienced carpenter setting handrails on the fourth floor, a worker unfamiliar with concrete getting cement burns, or someone operating equipment without proper training. All of these are dangerous situations created not by bad intent but by a lack of capability. As leaders, it’s on us to confirm both capability and capacity before assigning the work.Respect Means Setting People Up for Success
Passing defective work down the line is clearly disrespectful, but I’ve come to see that it is even more disrespectful to put someone in a position where defective work is almost guaranteed. Workers want to prove themselves, provide for their families, and grow in their roles. They will often say yes to a task even if they are not trained for it. That is why leaders must protect them by ensuring they are equipped and ready. Respect in construction means preparing workers with the right training, the right tools, and the right support so they can succeed safely and with quality. It means anticipating challenges and not just planning for the ideal scenario, but for the inevitable variations and obstacles that will come up.The Enemy Gets a Vote
Another powerful reminder I’ve carried with me is the concept that the enemy gets a vote. In war, no plan survives unchanged because the enemy responds. In construction, our “enemy” is variation: weather, logistics, miscommunication, waste, accidents, or unexpected change. These things will happen, and we must prepare our teams to adapt and overcome them. That’s where capability really matters. It’s not just about starting the job, but finishing it even when conditions shift. Training, planning, and preparation ensure that when challenges arise, the crew can keep moving without compromising safety or quality.Key Takeaway
Desire is important, but without capability and capacity, it can become dangerous. True respect is shown when leaders prepare and support their teams, setting them up to succeed even when unexpected challenges arise.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)
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-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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