Elevate Construction

In this episode, Jason Schroeder uses the "bus" analogy from Good to Great to teach a core leadership principle in construction: focus on who first, then what. He explains why getting the right people on the team, putting them in the right seats, and removing the wrong fits is more important than any schedule, system, or tool. You'll also hear how to handle people changes with dignity, protect top performers, and lead like a CEO no matter what your current title is. · What you'll learn in this episode: · What "first who, then what" actually means for project teams and leadership decisions · Why leaving a key seat vacant can be less damaging than filling it with the wrong person · How to get people in the right seats through coaching and role adjustments before making final calls · Why leaders must address performance issues directly to protect the team and the culture · How to lead with respect while still being rigorous about who stays on the bus Where in your team do you need to make a "who" decision before you try to solve another "what" problem? 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

In this episode, Jason Schroeder shares a simple way to keep your project from getting derailed by change orders and constant variation. You'll learn why your contract work must stay priority one, and how to track and manage change order work separately without distracting the main crews. Jason walks through real field stories, including the "Buttons of Success," to show how a clear plan and focused leadership can shift a job from chaos to momentum. If you want to shield your team from outside noise and keep flow intact, this is for you. What you'll learn in this episode: · Why "keep the ship in orbit" is the mindset that protects your schedule when change orders hit · How to keep contract work moving while tracking change orders separately with clear ownership · How to use visuals like roadblock maps to show impacts and get the owner/design team aligned · What to include in change order pricing so the full context, capacity, and disruption are recognized · The simple leadership moves that prevent chaos and keep your team winning the first battle first Are you managing change orders in a way that protects flow—or letting variation pull your whole team off track? 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

In this episode, Jason Schroeder walks superintendents through one of the biggest performance separators on a jobsite: mindset. He explains the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, why a fixed mindset causes leaders to avoid challenges and ignore feedback, and how that's exactly how people get stuck at the same level for years. He also gives a practical way to "self-check" your thinking in real time, use feedback as fuel, and keep learning so you can lead better, progress faster, and live more burden-free. What you'll learn in this episode: · The difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and how each one shows up in the field · Why fixed mindset leaders avoid challenges, resist feedback, and plateau early in their careers · How a growth mindset helps you persist through obstacles, learn from criticism, and fail forward · Why superintendents cannot afford "I've been doing this for 40 years" thinking if they want to lead at the next level · A simple personal check-in to reset your mindset when you feel defensive, jealous, or afraid to be wrong When feedback hits or a new idea challenges your routine, do you default to defending what you know or committing to what you can still learn? 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

In this episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down why personal organization is the foundation for success in construction leadership, not a "nice to have." He explains how a simple, reliable system helps you stop forgetting tasks, stop becoming a liability to the team, and start showing up prepared, calm, and effective. You'll hear how personal organization connects directly to working fewer hours, protecting your family time, and becoming the kind of leader people can trust. If you've ever felt behind the eight ball, this one will give you a practical path forward. What you'll learn in this episode: · Why "people who forget and need reminders" become a liability, and how to avoid that trap · How to build a personal system that captures everything and clears your brain so you can think and lead · Why your to-do list must be in one place you reference multiple times per day, not scattered across devices · How a morning routine + time blocking + weekly work planning work together to create consistent results · Jason's challenge: create a to-do list, build a morning routine, and tie it into your weekly plan so you win the day If you're serious about leading well, what's the one change you'll make today so you stop "hoping you remember" and start running your day on purpose? 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

Waste and variation aren't "part of construction" they're the enemy of safety, quality, morale, and your life at home. In this episode (War Series #9 and the finale), Jason shares a powerful excerpt from Elevating Construction Superintendents and lays out why you must never tolerate anything that doesn't add value. You'll learn what waste and variation actually look like in the field, why discipline is the first countermeasure, and how strategy beats both reckless pushing and fearful over-planning. This is a rallying cry to fight for flow, protect your people, and win the war without brutality. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between waste (non-value-added) and variation (interruptions to flow) and why both destroy projects The eight wastes: excess inventory, overproduction, transportation, motion, waiting, overprocessing, defects, and unused team skills Why discipline and standards are the foundation for eliminating waste and stabilizing performance How to balance planning and attack avoiding both "Custer-style pushing" and "McClellan-style delaying" Why "time of exposure" matters: the faster you advance strategically, the less damage waste and variation can cause What would change if you stopped tolerating waste and variation and started treating them like the enemy of your team's success and your family's time? 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_3p5nmMKnswSample

In War Series #8, "Lose Battles, Win the War," Jason explains why great builders don't try to win every moment they stay focused on the overall strategy that gets the project across the finish line. He breaks down what "collaborative command and control" really means in Lean and integrated teams: decide together, then lead decisively in the field so safety, cleanliness, logistics, and communication don't collapse into chaos. Through real jobsite stories and a powerful Alexander the Great example, you'll learn how to stay calm, avoid emotional reactions, and make decisions that optimize the whole. If you've been fighting every battle, changing orders, manpower, owners, trade partners, this will help you pick the right battles so you don't lose the war. What you'll learn in this episode: What collaborative command and control looks like on Lean/integrated projects (and what it is not) How to prioritize contract work and maintain flow when change orders threaten to derail the team When to stay calm, concede the moment, and "win without fighting" to protect the long-term strategy Six habits of a grand strategist: greater goal, wider perspective, mind politics, severe roots, indirect route, strong first step How to stop pushing random battles that damage flow, relationships, and overall project success Are you trying to win every battle or making the moves that actually win the war? 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_3p5nmMKnswSample

Segmenting your forces is how you build a nimble project team that can adapt fast, protect the schedule, and stop getting trapped by one rigid plan. In this episode, Jason shares field stories like bypassing slab on grade with a ready Plan B, splitting a long-span deck to recover critical path work, and breaking massive huddles into smaller functional groups that actually execute. You'll hear why specialized crews and segmented leadership units outperform "one big crew," and how autonomy plus alignment creates real operational control. If you want speed, adaptability, and options when the job gets tight, this concept will change how you organize your people. What you'll learn in this episode: Why you need Plan A, B, C, D, E, and F and how options protect the schedule How segmented crews and specialized forces improve consistency and productivity How to break big huddles and teams into smaller, nimble units without losing alignment Why decentralizing control helps projects and companies scale faster How Napoleon's strategy shows the danger of "one perfect plan" and one slow, rigid force Where are you relying on one big plan and one big team when you should be segmenting your forces and building real options? 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_3p5nmMKnswSample

When a team has "a way out," they stay half-committed—and projects drift into delay, drama, and complacency. In this episode, Jason explains the "death ground" strategy: create a clear, urgent milestone that forces alignment, healthy conflict, and real accountability. You'll hear jobsite examples and the story of Cortez "burning the ships" to show why removing crutches creates focus, momentum, and results without last-minute burnout. If you want your team to fight three times harder and stay on schedule, this is the playbook. What you'll learn in this episode: Why teams without urgency waste time, stay half-in, and lose the benefits of even great pre-planning] How "death ground" milestones unify teams and drive them through the stages of team development What "burn your ships" looks like in construction: removing crutches like time, "we'll do it later," or escape routes Five practical actions to create urgency: stake everything, act before ready, leave comfort zones, rally as underdogs, stay restless How to set aggressive goals without burnout by keeping a steady pace and finishing strong Where do you need to remove the crutch so your team has no option but to commit and win? 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_3p5nmMKnswSample

Waste and variation aren't "part of construction" they're the enemy of safety, quality, morale, and your life at home. In this episode (War Series #9 and the finale), Jason shares a powerful excerpt from Elevating Construction Superintendents and lays out why you must never tolerate anything that doesn't add value. You'll learn what waste and variation actually look like in the field, why discipline is the first countermeasure, and how strategy beats both reckless pushing and fearful over-planning. This is a rallying cry to fight for flow, protect your people, and win the war without brutality. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between waste (non-value-added) and variation (interruptions to flow) and why both destroy projects The eight wastes: excess inventory, overproduction, transportation, motion, waiting, overprocessing, defects, and unused team skills Why discipline and standards are the foundation for eliminating waste and stabilizing performance How to balance planning and attack avoiding both "Custer-style pushing" and "McClellan-style delaying" Why "time of exposure" matters: the faster you advance strategically, the less damage waste and variation can cause What would change if you stopped tolerating waste and variation and started treating them like the enemy of your team's success and your family's time? 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_3p5nmMKnswSample

Running safety on a special or mid-sized project with one superintendent isn't about working harder, it's about designing a system that gives you operational control with limited resources. In this episode, Jason shares real tactics from a $15M high-constraint project and breaks down how to build a sustainable safety culture through orientation, huddles, accountability, and simple visual controls. You'll hear the key meetings and daily rhythms that prevent chaos, reduce babysitting, and keep crews aligned even when trades are rotating fast. If you want large-project results without a large-project team, this is your playbook. What you'll learn in this episode: How to implement safety on special/mid-sized projects with limited staff and still maintain operational control How to set up recorded, tested project orientation and hard-hat training identifiers to reduce supervision load The daily meeting rhythm that stabilizes the site: afternoon foreman huddles, morning worker huddles, and a daily correction system Why zero tolerance and contractor grading remove "babysitting" and create consistent standards fast 15 practical upgrades (from work orders to helper coverage to schedule-triggered JHAs) that make the system sustainable If your project had to run safely and smoothly with half the resources, what system would you build first? 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_3p5nmMKnswSample