Read 5 min

Today, we’re diving into why it often takes six months for a team to fully implement a new system and what it means if they’re still not on board after that ramp.

In my experience, every significant change whether it’s a new workflow, a tool, or a process comes with a learning curve. I call it the six-month ramp. That’s the period where you’re building the knowledge, motivation, and tools needed for the team to succeed. Mistakes? Totally fine. Struggles? Expected. The focus is on progress, not perfection.

Here’s where it gets important: if someone isn’t performing within that six-month ramp, it’s usually a training or resource issue. But if they’re still resisting after six months when the systems are clear, the training is complete, and the support is in place that’s no longer a learning problem. That’s disobedience.

I’ve seen it happen: skilled people choosing not to adopt the system, quietly undermining the team, or sticking to old ways. When that happens, it’s not about aptitude it’s about attitude and cultural fit.

A great example is our journey with pull planning. At first, it seemed intimidating. Nobody wanted to do it. But by applying the Switch method creating the right circumstances, training the team, and motivating them we saw complete adoption in six months. Today, it’s second nature.

The lesson? Commitment to process is what sustains excellence. When pressure mounts, we don’t rise to our ambitions we fall to the level of our training and discipline. Processes and systems aren’t constraints; they’re the structure that makes success repeatable.

Key Takeaway

If a team member is struggling within the first six months of learning a new process, it’s likely a training or support issue. If they resist after six months, it’s no longer about capability it’s about commitment.

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