Ep.217 - Communication in Construction

Jason shares a powerful card game simulation that reveals why teams struggle on construction sites. Leaders assume everyone knows the plan, but they don't. The game puts 7 players in a triangle formation where only the person in front knows the full purpose (everyone needs four of a kind), while people in the back only know "win the game" without knowing what winning looks like. Teams struggle for 45+ minutes, feeling frustrated and in the dark, exactly like trade partners on construction projects with 76-page schedules nobody reads. The reflection always reveals the same insight: over-communicate what winning looks like. Repeat the plan seven times. Don't assume people know. This episode also covers Jason's upcoming Scrum Master Certification training with Felipe Engineer, a successful executive offsite creating organizational clarity, and the "Widen the Circle" principle, master builders loop in team wisdom, seek counsel, and never work as lone wolves.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The card game simulation: 7 players in a triangle formation (1-2-4), each needs four of a kind, but only the front person knows the full goal

• Game rules: Can't talk, look forward only, pass cards forward/back, always hold 4 cards, chaos and frustration ensue

• The lesson: People in the back feel frustrated and in the dark, exactly like trade partners on construction sites

• What teams do differently: The leader immediately communicates the purpose and plan to everyone, and doesn't assume they know

• Overcommunicate: Repeat what winning looks like 7 times in foreman huddles, worker huddles, over and over

• Widen the Circle principle: Loop in team wisdom, seek counsel from other superintendents, and be transparent with owners

• Teams win through: Trust, healthy conflict, goal setting, accountability, and performance

• If you're not annoyed by how much something is repeated, you're not communicating enough

Scale communication. Don't assume people know the plan. Communicate what winning looks like over and over.

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Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

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