BONUS – Jake & Jason Lean Series – The Art of Attack

The Art of Attack: Planning and Leadership in Lean Construction

In this blog, Jake Smalley and I (Jason Schroeder) share insights from our experiences at the BSRL project, where we implemented Lean principles to achieve remarkable success. Over the course of the project, we saw firsthand how proper planning, strategy, and execution played a crucial role in ensuring the project ran smoothly. Here’s a closer look at what worked for us and how we applied the Art of Attack in Lean construction.

Planning and Preparation: The Foundation of Success

When I joined the BSRL project a year before breaking ground, I knew it was an opportunity to get ahead of the game. By the time we reached the General Management Plan (GMP), I had already laid out the foundation for success. Pre-construction planning allowed me to make sure everything was in place before we started the actual construction work. This proactive approach prevented us from facing the typical problems that arise when projects are rushed into execution without thorough planning.

Jake, who joined the project as we were about to break ground, had enough time to review the drawings and ensure that the interiors were well-prepared. With everything in place beforehand, we didn’t have to scramble to get things together once we were on the job site. This level of pre-planning helped us avoid confusion and ensured a smooth start.

The Art of Attack: Command, Control, and Accountability

One of the key concepts we emphasize is “command and control” in Lean construction. While it’s crucial to involve everyone in the decision-making process, the general contractor (GC) plays a pivotal role in executing and protecting the plan. As the GC, it’s my job to ensure all team members are aligned and working toward the same goals. Without strong leadership and accountability, a project will likely face delays, cost overruns, and quality issues.

Holding the team accountable is essential, and raising the bar for everyone is a big part of that. When we set high expectations, while also creating a safe and stable work environment, we saw the positive results—substantial completion on time. The team knew what was expected, and we made sure everyone adhered to the plan. By protecting the plan and ensuring that everyone was accountable, we were able to meet our goals successfully.

Lean as a Strategy for Success

I’ve always believed that construction is like war—variation and waste are the enemy. The real challenge is eliminating inefficiencies and creating a steady, uninterrupted flow of work. Jake and I agreed that Lean isn’t about pushing workers to go faster. Instead, it’s about planning properly, setting up the right systems, and ensuring a stable and consistent environment where all trade partners can succeed.

By using the “art of attack” approach, we made sure we were always ahead of potential problems, instead of dealing with issues after they arose. This way, we could push forward without compromising safety, quality, or efficiency. The key to success was balancing planning, preparation, and execution—making sure everything was in place to move forward while staying flexible enough to adapt as things changed.

The Importance of Nimbleness

One of the most important takeaways from our experience was the need to be nimble. Just like a potter shaping clay, we realized that while sticking to a schedule is crucial, being able to adapt quickly to unexpected changes is just as important. It’s a delicate balance between flexibility and control. This adaptability helped us push forward and overcome obstacles, ensuring the project stayed on track without sacrificing quality or safety.

Key Takeaways

From our experiences on the BSRL project, it became clear that successful Lean construction relies on thorough planning, strong leadership, and accountability. By focusing on pre-construction planning, collaborating with trade partners, and creating a stable work environment, we were able to achieve our goals and meet the project deadline. The “art of attack” isn’t about pushing workers to work faster; it’s about having a solid plan, holding everyone accountable, and being adaptable. The ability to stay flexible while maintaining control was key to our success. This balance between preparation and execution, along with the willingness to adapt, is what makes Lean construction truly effective.