BONUS – Jake & Jason Lean Series – Introduction

Implementing Lean in Construction – A Journey of Transformation

Welcome to the story of how Jake Smaley and I, Jason Schroeder, transformed a challenging construction project by implementing lean principles. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the lessons we learned and how we turned a messy and disorganized project into a smooth-running, successful one.

The State of the Project

When we first started on our $100 million project, the job site was disorganized, morale was low, and there were safety issues. Port-a-potties were dirty, and the overall environment was a mess. Instead of just complaining, Jake and I took action. We read Two Second Lean by Paul Akers, which helped shift our mindset. We decided to focus on improving the environment to win the workers over rather than imposing punitive measures.

Making a Deal with the Workers

We started by improving the bathrooms, creating a clean, organized lunch area, and ensuring everything was stocked. In our first meeting, we made a deal with the workers: we’d provide a cleaner, more organized site, and in return, they’d respect the rules, keeping the site clean, wearing safety glasses, and following safety protocols.

The Transformation

What followed was a magical transformation. The workers embraced the changes, and morale soared. We even documented the process with photos and videos of small improvements, like changing toilet paper. It might sound trivial, but these actions created a sense of ownership and pride among the team.

Zero-Tolerance Safety Policy

To further solidify the culture, we implemented a zero-tolerance safety policy. Initially, we had to send home 40 people a day for safety violations, but by enforcing the new culture, that number dropped to just 20 people over six months. People rose to the occasion, showing that respect and accountability go a long way.

Achieving Success

By the end of the project, the site was clean, safe, and organized. We met all deadlines without overworking anyone and maintained high standards for safety and quality. The key to this success was creating a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways

Focusing on the basics, like clean facilities and organized spaces, boosted morale and team engagement. Lean principles took time, but persistence and accountability drove success. Setting clear expectations and maintaining a zero-tolerance safety policy improved safety and reduced violations. These practices created a safer, more efficient, and positive work environment, demonstrating the power of lean principles in action.