Creating Flow and Win Win in Construction Insights from Dr. Efrat Goldratt-Aschlag
In this blog, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Efrat Goldratt-Aschlag, co-author of Goldratt’s Rules of Flow and daughter of Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, the creator of the Theory of Constraints. With her background in organizational psychology, she brings powerful insights on how construction can eliminate inefficiencies, reduce burnout, and create win-win results for both workers and organizations.
The Mission
Dr. Goldratt’s mission is simple yet profound: create environments where both the organization and the individual succeed. Too often, leaders believe that if the company thrives, employees must sacrifice or vice versa. But the truth is the opposite: long-term success requires that both are aligned.
Why Multitasking is Killing Construction
One of the most eye-opening discussions centered on multitasking. In construction, it’s common to keep multiple work fronts open to “show progress.” But this actually creates the opposite result:
- Longer durations: Tasks take 2–3x longer when switching between work fronts.
- Burnout and fatigue: Constant context switching drains focus and energy.
- Errors and rework: Rushing between fronts lowers quality.
Instead, crews must limit open work fronts and focus on completing zones before opening new ones. Flow, not frenzy, drives speed.
The Power of Full Kit
Another key concept is full kit ensuring crews have everything they need before starting work. That means not just materials, but also tools, equipment, permissions, layouts, and clear plans. When full kits are missing, crews get stuck, work fronts multiply, and projects stall. With discipline, full kits prevent rework, delays, and wasted motion.
Gates: Controlling Handoffs
To support flow, Dr. Goldratt recommends implementing gates at critical handoffs. At each gate, an expert verifies that the receiving crew has a full kit before work begins. This prevents unfinished work from being pushed downstream and keeps projects moving smoothly.
Real World Proof
These principles aren’t theory they’ve been applied globally with remarkable results. A U.S. high-rise turned its schedule around by limiting work fronts and focusing on flow. In Japan, after a devastating disaster, the Department of Infrastructure rebuilt a dam in 2–3 months instead of 2–3 years by applying the Theory of Constraints.
Training and Growth
Dr. Goldratt also emphasized that training must build expertise. People are motivated to grow, and when organizations invest in deepening skills, they reduce bottlenecks, empower teams, and improve flow. Personal growth aligns with organizational growth another example of win-win.
Key Takeaway
Construction doesn’t need more rushing, pushing, or panic. Real speed and reliability come from limiting multitasking, providing full kits, enforcing gates, and investing in expertise. When people and organizations grow together, both win and projects thrive.
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
