The Diagonal Line – People

Expect more. Let’s go. Welcome, everyone.

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been a little behind on this blog, but I love being here with you. Recently, I’ve been pushing forward with the First Planner System book, making headway on the second version of the Takt Planning book, and working on new YouTube content.

Before diving in, I want to share some feedback I received. A reader reached out and said he discovered my post on creating a construction schedule using the critical flow path and found it insightful. That kind of engagement on LinkedIn, YouTube, and here on the blog does more than most people realize. It expands the reach of these messages so others can benefit.

Now, let’s talk about the diagonal line. In a time by location schedule, the trade flow line, the diagonal line, is the single most important thing in construction. Some may disagree, but I’ll stand firm: the diagonal line takes care of people.

There’s often confusion between resource efficiency and trade flow. Resource efficiency is when each trade goes at its own optimized speed, often creating imbalance and overburdening others. Trade flow is different. It’s when all trades move together at a common speed, with the right distance between them. The flow unit isn’t a single trade, it’s the chain of trades moving as one.

Why does this matter? Because focusing only on resource efficiency or productivity leads to burnout, unevenness, and wasted effort. I’ve seen this in real scenarios:

• When companies prioritize productivity over supporting teams, workers burn out and projects suffer. 
• When preparing people for new assignments, some ask, “Why focus on their personal setup first?” The truth is, when people are supported first, they perform better and last longer. 

Too often, the industry looks at productivity first instead of people first. But focusing only on output blinds us to capacity, balance, and flow. The diagonal line in a takt plan is a visual reminder of this balance. It shows what teams can realistically do without exceeding limits.

Think about it like an airline. Passengers matter, but without a functioning plane, nobody goes anywhere. In construction, trades are the plane. If we don’t maintain, support, and respect them, the whole project goes down. Owners and contractors often miss this point. The success of a project depends entirely on how well trades are supported.

This is why I always say: do not exceed capacity, do not overburden, do not create unevenness, and do not bury teams in waste. Take care of people first, and production will follow.

My identity, if I had to define it, is being a people first leader. That diagonal line represents flow, balance, and respect for capacity. It’s my guiding principle.

So here’s the question I’ll leave you with: are you a first person, or a people first person? Because until we understand that construction is all about people, we won’t truly succeed.

On we go.

Key Takeaway

I’ve learned that the diagonal line is really about respecting people. When we put trades and teams first, balanced production naturally follows.