Ep.209 - Empathy & Connection

Jason's voice is gone from yelling at boot camp, so we're bringing you two vintage episodes from when he first started podcasting at DPR. First, Brent Elliott breaks down why empathy is his superpower, reading people daily, asking "how are you doing?" first, and building people while building the building. Second, Jake Smiley shares why making real connections matters, shutting your mouth to listen, finding common ground beyond construction, and building trust that improves communication. These classic interviews remind us that who we build is as important as what we build.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why empathy means tailoring your approach to each person instead of treating everyone like a nail when you're the hammer

• Brent's daily practice: read people's mood, ask how they're doing first, and care about them before diving into work

• Jake's method: shut your mouth, listen, find common ground in hobbies and family, and build genuine connections

• Why building relationships first leads to better communication, more safety reporting, and stronger trust with subs and inspectors

• The warning: don't reach too far or be fake, people can tell when you're not sincere

We're dealing with people. If we tear them down reaching the goal, what does that mean at the end of the day?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free, and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw