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Lean Built

Leader Standard Work

Ever have trouble working too many hours? Ever have a hard time getting home? Ever feel like you can’t make improvements daily or do your training? Well, I can help.. Here comes Leader Standard Work.. What is Leader Standard Work?

Leader Standard Work is the process of organizing-by priority-your standard work you do as a leader that will focus you on the 20% of key focuses that will bring to pass 80% of your success.

 

Example:

 
 
 
 

Here is the process:

  1. Make sure you have a personal organization system that includes a to do list and a calendaring system.

  2. Identify your role and the key things you have to do as a leader to be successful.

  3. Plan your next week in a standard format.

  4. Plug in your family and personal time in your plan first! (See purple above)

  5. Plug in your Leader Standard Work next! (See the Scorecard above)

  6. Plug in standard meetings and other items at the last.

  7. On a daily basis review your to do list, and refine your time blocked tasks for the day in your calendar.

  8. Execute your plan, protect your work, and live a remarkable life.

 

If you do this, and protect your standard work, you can maximize your effectiveness.

As an example, below is at list of standard work for the Super path. Notice the difference between roles and how the standard work changes:

 

Field Operations Director

· Develops Leadership Teams

· Ensures Managers are Managing Subordinates

· Engages in Difficult Conversations

· Runs Great Team Meetings

· Communicates Constantly to Employees

· Allocates Regional Manpower

· Trains all Field Resources

· Oversees Department Progress for Field Systems

 

General Superintendent

· Project Visits Regularly

· Allocates Craft Manpower

· Trains & Develops Field Craft

· Oversees Pre-construction for Field Items

· Develops Lower-Level Superintendents with Mentoring & Training

· Develops Intentional Trade Partner Relationships

· Troubleshoots Projects in Trouble

· Oversees Major Logistical Items in Region

· Studies Current Best Practices Weekly

· Continually Learns Lean Practices

· Builds Cohesive Teams

 

Senior Superintendent

· Studies Drawings Daily

· Oversees Master Schedule

· Performs Walks of Functional Areas & Aligns

· Builds and Manages Operational Control System Onsite

· Reflection Walks with Lower-Level Superintendents

· Reviews Roadblocks for the Day & Removes

· Allocates Balanced Manpower throughout Project

· Champions Owner Relationship

 

Project Superintendent

· Studies Drawings Daily

· Oversees Functional Schedule

· Walks Project throughout Day

· Scales Communication to all Field Workers

· Enforces a Safe, Clean, and Organized Project Site

· Directs Logistics

· Removes Roadblocks

· Allocates Manpower

· Champions Procurement & Management of the Supply Chain

· Directs Logistics Carpenters

· Directs Deliveries

· Directs Field Engineers

· Coordinates MEP & Commissioning

· Directs all Complex Logistics such as Cranes, Hoists, and Other Equipment

· Creates and Manages the Schedule

· Directs overall Safety and Quality Program

 

Superintendent

· Plans & Executes Work

· Studies Drawings Daily

· Manages Short Interval Schedules Daily

· Walks Project Multiple Times a Day

· Champions Safety Systems Onsite

· Runs Day-to-day Scheduling Meetings

· Oversees Quality Inspections

 

Assistant Superintendent

· Provides a Safety Presence in the Field

· Studies the Drawings Daily

· Walk the Project throughout Day

· Checks PTPs

· Ensures all Crews Have Quality Expectations

· Oversees Self-perform Crews

· Coordinates Issues in Field

· Enforces Logistic Controla

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!

The Fun Morning Huddle

Do you want to start a lean culture? Consider starting with the morning huddle. Check out this agenda:

 

1. Begin the morning huddle timer with music

 
 

2. Open the meeting

 
 

3. Whoever was chosen yesterday, gets to run the meeting. Select tomorrows’ leader

 
 
 
 

4. Whoever volunteered to share their 3s, gets to… Select tomorrows’

 
 
 

5. Get the energy high with a stretch

 
 
 

6. Review the meeting rules

 
 
 
 

7. Start out in a positive way

 
 
 

8. Consider doing the following:

..a quote for the day

 
 
 
 

..a word of the day

 
 
 
 

..a shout out for what we are grateful for

 
 
 
 

9. This is very important. Share a FastCap video to scale the kinds of ideas we are wanting

 
 
 
 

10. Teach about the 8 wastes

 
 
 

11. Review any department lean improvements

 
 
 

12. Review the secret sauce document for your company, department, or team

 
 
 

13. Remind everyone what our goal is

 
 
 
 

And you can add any other tactical items that need to be covered daily. But why not start? You can adjust as you go along. The purpose is to great proximity and to develop a social group with a continuous improvement culture. Why not start tomorrow? Reach out if you need help!

Here is a template you can use and modify:

 

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!

Contractor Grading

You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and that goes for construction projects as well! Are you grading the performance of all contractors onsite, including yourself? If not, bad behavior is likely stealing 10-20 hours of time from your family every week.

 

Here’s how the grading system works, if you want to stop babysitting:

  1. Decide on grading criteria that is not subjective-meaning that is fact based on and based on whether i like someone or not…

  2. Explain the grading system to all project leaders and get buy-in

  3. Begin by having trade partners grade you, as the GC first

  4. Then, begin grading all contractors onsite weekly

  5. Post all scores for everyone to see, especially the As and F players

  6. If you do this, you will see everyone rise to the occasion, and do their own work

  7. Grading criteria could be about cleanliness, attendance at meeting, daily reports, duration of time to correct safety issue, and anything important to operations.

Do you want less stress? Do you want more remarkable operations on your project? If so, its time to begin the grading system on your site.

Here is the download file:

 

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!

The Field Engineering Commandments

Certainly, let’s delve deeper into the significance of these commandments. There exists a meticulously crafted list of commandments that, when faithfully followed, act as a formidable shield against a wide array of potential mistakes in the field. These guiding principles are not just arbitrary rules but a strategic roadmap designed to elevate your performance and ensure that you navigate your fieldwork with precision and excellence.

The question to ask yourself is this: Are you truly ready to bid farewell to the exasperation and repercussions of dealing with mistakes? If your answer resonates with a resounding “yes,” then the next step is to embrace these commandments with unwavering commitment when you’re on-site.

These commandments are your invaluable toolkit for success, and each one carries profound significance. Safety takes the lead because the well-being of your team and the seamless execution of every project should never be compromised. Effective communication follows closely, for it is the lifeblood of a well-coordinated operation, ensuring that every member of your team is aligned and informed.

Meticulous attention to detail is the essence of the third commandment, signifying your commitment to excellence. No detail is too small to escape your vigilant eye. Lastly, adaptability, the fourth commandment, underscores the need to be agile in the face of unforeseen challenges. It’s about having the dexterity to pivot swiftly, ensuring that your projects stay on course even when unexpected hurdles arise.

By wholeheartedly embracing and understanding the profound impact of these commandments, you embark on a journey toward not just error reduction, but the elevation of your fieldwork performance. These are not just principles; they are the pillars upon which your success in the field is built, leading you to a future of efficiency, safety, and exemplary outcomes.

 

Here is the download for your reference:

 

I have seen national companies use these commandments within the field engineering ranks and completely shift the trend of making major mistakes. These commandments, if followed, will be a game changer for you in your work!

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!

What does Elevate Construction do?

In the world of marketing, there’s a prevailing notion that within just 5 seconds, someone should be able to grasp what you do. Lately, we’ve been deeply contemplating this concept, diligently honing our message. It’s not an easy task because, much like many of you, we possess a wide array of capabilities to offer to individuals and companies. However, here it is: We specialize in guiding individuals and companies to take that crucial next step. That’s the essence of what we do.

So, what is your next step? What’s that one pivotal element that, if you could gain an advantage in, would propel your business to new heights? That’s precisely where we come in. Our mission revolves around identifying that strategic lever and helping you harness it for maximum impact. We understand that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it’s about recognizing your unique needs and aspirations and empowering you to achieve them. That’s the core of our commitment to your growth and success.

 

 

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!

Keep the Superintendent Commandments

We’re well aware of the essential components that make a great Superintendent stand out. It’s like having the perfect recipe, and all we need to do is follow it diligently. Achieving rapid progress in this role is all about adhering to the commandments of the trade.

First and foremost, it’s imperative to keep safety as the top priority. Ensuring the well-being of our team and the smooth operation of every project is non-negotiable. Secondly, effective communication is the glue that holds everything together. Being able to convey instructions clearly and listen actively is key to success. Lastly, a Superintendent must have a keen eye for detail, overseeing every aspect of a project with meticulous attention. By sticking to these commandments, you’re on the path to becoming a standout Superintendent and advancing in your career as swiftly as possible.

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!

A Great Episode!

Last week, Brandon Montero and I had the incredible opportunity to sit down for an interview with the wonderful team at the Geoholics Podcast, and let me tell you, it was absolutely invigorating . We had a blast chatting with the hosts and diving deep into some fascinating topics. The synergy between us all made it a truly memorable experience, and we’re excited to share the episode with you right here!

In this episode, we covered a wide range of subjects, from our personal journeys and experiences to some in-depth discussions on current industry trends and innovations. We delved into of our respective fields, sharing insights and stories that we hope will not only entertain but also provide valuable perspectives.

The Geoholics Podcast team really knows how to create an engaging and enjoyable environment for conversation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how the interview turned out. We hope you find it as enlightening and entertaining as we did. So, sit back, relax, and tune in – we’re confident you’ll enjoy every minute of it!”

 
 
 
 

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!

The Construction Technology Handbook

Today’s blog post is brought to you with many thanks to Hugh Seaton. We appreciate his contribution and are grateful for his valuable insights shared in this post.

 
 
 

I’ve been there when four industries went through a digital transformation, and in each case there was a ground-level gap of understanding of the technologies involved. Most people will try things that will help them, but unless they understand how things work, they’ll doubt that new technologies are for them.

So I decided to write this book that goes from the very beginning of what technology is, and step by step takes the reader through software, field software, data and analytics, AI and more. The goal is to give folks an overview, demystify, define some of those terms that get thrown around like “API”, and even “Artificial Intelligence.” After reading the book, readers will have a working definition of these and many other terms and concepts, so they can start to make digital tools work for them.

In the end, we all win when field, office and everything in between is comfortable taking the best digital tools and pushing them to make construction a safer, faster and more productive industry.

Hugh Seaton

If you want to take your next step with construction technology, please check out this book:

 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!

The Definition of Lean

There have been many different definitions of lean over the years. The best one we have found is:

  1. Respect for people and resources

  2. Stable environments

  3. Continuous improvement

Everything starts with respect, and we must take care of our people first. Only on that foundation can we get buy-in to run operationally remarkable projects in a stable environment. And only in a stable environment with standards can anything be improved. It is a sequence in the order of priority. We have created the graphic below to help you along your lean journey to eliminating waste and variation.

 
 
 

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!

Elevating Construction Superintendents on Audio

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all – our comprehensive guide, “Elevating Construction Superintendents,” is now available on Audible! We understand that in today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to sit down and read a book cover to cover can be challenging. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever for you to access our valuable insights and expertise on construction management.

With our book on Audible, you can immerse yourself in the world of construction superintendence while you’re on the go, during your daily commute, or even while working on-site. Whether you’re a seasoned construction professional looking to refine your skills or someone aspiring to become a proficient superintendent, our audiobook has you covered.

To get your hands on this invaluable resource, simply follow the links below:

 

We believe that knowledge should be accessible to all, and with the convenience of an audiobook format, we’ve made it easier than ever for you to enhance your construction expertise. So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your construction career to the next level. Happy listening and learning!

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!