Its Just How It Is Here

It’s Not “Just the Way They Are” Shifting the Mindset in Construction

Recently, I received feedback from a reader who resonated with our focus on excellence in construction. This person had left a toxic company where systems didn’t exist, leadership was unqualified, and workers were left unsupported. They implemented as much as they could, but ultimately the environment was so broken that success was impossible. Now they’re struggling to find a company that truly values health, safety, and excellence especially as a woman in construction.

This struggle is real, and it’s happening across the industry. But here’s the truth; it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Dangerous Thought Holding Us Back

During a recent training, someone told me: “Jason, that’s not reality. People don’t want to work anymore. That’s just the way it is.”

Let me be blunt: that is a wrong thought. It’s a damaging belief that undermines people, projects, and progress.

When we say “workers today don’t care” or “the new generation won’t put in the effort,” we are spreading lies that keep our industry stuck. These aren’t truths they’re excuses. They disrespect workers, lower expectations, and directly harm project outcomes.

Operational Excellence Is Possible Everywhere

I’ve seen operational excellence on projects ranging from $5 billion mega data centers to $500,000 residential builds. I’ve seen it in civil projects, multifamily housing, and union environments. Clean, organized sites. Worker huddles. Respect for people. Consistent results.

If one project can achieve it, any project can achieve it. Excellence is not limited by project size, location, or type of workers it is limited only by mindset.

The belief that “our people can’t do it” is not just false, it’s disrespectful. If I can walk onto a site and get it done with the same workforce, then the workforce is not the problem. The problem is the way leaders choose to think about their people.

The Truth About Workers Today

Here’s the reality, workers today are just as hardworking as any generation before. The difference isn’t effort it’s motivation.

Yes, the industry has always faced labor shortages, supply chain issues, and resource challenges. These problems aren’t new. What has changed is how we choose to lead and inspire people.

When leaders believe in their teams, set high standards, and create environments of respect, workers rise to the challenge. When leaders dismiss people as lazy or incapable, they drag everyone down.

Stop Saying “It’s Just the Way It Is”

Anytime someone says, “That’s just the way it is here,” what they’re really saying is, “That’s the way we’ve chosen to think.”

I’ve seen operational excellence in every environment north, south, union, non-union, large jobs, small jobs, even in places where people swore it was impossible. The difference was never the people. It was always the mindset.

If you want better results, stop excusing mediocrity. Stop blaming workers. Stop believing the lie that things can’t improve. Change starts the moment you decide it will.

Key Takeaway

Excellence in construction is not limited by location, generation, or project type it’s limited by mindset. Stop excusing mediocrity with “it’s just the way they are.” Believe in people, lead with respect, and operational excellence will follow.