Communication with Radios
I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked but makes a huge difference on the jobsite: radios. Having radios for our own teams and for trade partners is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to keep communication clear, fast, and connected. Without them, it becomes difficult to coordinate, and people end up guessing or running back and forth, which wastes time and causes frustration.Radios as Part of Professionalism
When I first started at Hensel Phelps as a rodman and field engineer, radios were always part of my gear. I clipped one to my vest, ran the receiver over my shoulder, and it felt like part of the uniform. Just like a soldier wears his gear, I felt like a professional in mine. That sense of pride mattered, but even more than that, the radio made me effective. I could call out layout points, coordinate with carpenters and laborers, and stay connected with the team without breaking stride. Later, I saw entire crews using radios and it was a game changer. I’ll never forget watching a foundation crew from Hard Rock Concrete. Every single person had a radio: operators, laborers, carpenters, form setters. They were always exactly where they needed to be, moving with precision and safety. They blew through the work cleanly and efficiently because they never wasted time looking for each other or wondering what came next.Why Radios Beat Cell Phones
Radios create a culture of immediacy. They connect people in real time without distraction. Cell phones, on the other hand, slow us down. They pull people into multitasking, missed calls, and side conversations. With radios, communication is quick, direct, and in the moment. That’s the kind of culture I want for my teams: everyone connected, everyone on the same page, everyone able to adjust instantly.Follow the Plan or Speak Up
Radios also tie directly to another principle I believe in: never go rogue. On a last planner team, when the group makes a commitment, you either follow that plan or speak up right away if something changes. Radios make this possible. If you promised to clear a pallet by 8 a.m. and you realize you won’t make it, grab your radio and let the other foreman know. That quick communication keeps the project flowing. Silence, on the other hand, leads to frustration and chaos.Building a Connected Culture
For me, radios are about respect. They respect people’s time, they respect the plan, and they respect the need for clarity on the job. Equipping every foreman, operator, and manager with a radio is an investment in culture. It’s about running a beautiful jobsite where problems are addressed instantly, and nobody feels left out or uninformed.Key Takeaway
Quick, clear communication is the lifeblood of a jobsite. Radios keep everyone aligned, respectful of each other’s time, and able to adapt in real time, which makes work safer, smoother, and far more productive.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
