What It Really Means to Be an Expert
I’ve been thinking deeply about what it actually means to be an expert. This reflection came after a discussion with Kate and my team where we challenged the traditional definitions of expertise. Too often in our industry, we assign the title of “expert” without really considering what it requires. For me, the conversation shifted my perspective in a powerful way.Expertise Is Not Winging It
One of the first insights that struck me was that true experts don’t wing it. They don’t just rely on memory or improvisation. They follow checklists, processes, and standards. When I review plans, create a Takt schedule, or evaluate a drawing set, I don’t skip steps. I follow the guide every single time. That discipline doesn’t make me less of an expert, it makes me a real one. Another key part of expertise is repetition. Danny reminded me that the only difference between me and some of our newer engineers is that I’ve done certain tasks 1,000 times while they may have done them 10. Reps matter. Experience builds expertise, but only if those repetitions are rooted in fundamentals and doing things the right way.The Most Important Insight
But here’s the part that hit me hardest, Kate shared that to truly be an expert, you must understand the impact of your decisions on people. It’s not enough to know the process or have the reps. Expertise means you can take your knowledge, make decisions, and fully grasp how those choices affect workers, foremen, and trade partners on the ground. That insight reframed everything for me. If you’re a scheduler who never walked a jobsite, how can you dictate durations? If you’re an owner’s rep or consultant who’s never tied rebar, how can you make assumptions about productivity? If you’re writing contracts or regulations without knowing how they land on crews, what business do you have making those decisions?Respect for People Is the Foundation
At the end of the day, expertise without respect is hollow. An expert follows the process, gains experience through repetition, and most importantly, values people above all. If you don’t understand the impact of your decisions on workers and foremen, you’re not an expert, you’re just making guesses from a distance. That’s why I believe every decision we make in construction must be filtered through the lens of respect for people. Only then can we truly elevate this industry.Key Takeaway
True expertise isn’t just knowledge or repetition, it’s discipline, respect, and awareness of impact. Without valuing people first, you can’t call yourself an expert.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
