In this episode, Jason uncovers why Japan’s lean revolution succeeded while the U.S. drifted away from the very principles it created. The answer lies in humility, respect for people, and the power of working as one united team.

Inside this episode:

• The forgotten U.S. production miracle of WWII and how Japan carried it forward.

• Why humility after the war fueled Japan’s lean culture while America lost it.

• How total participation transforms project sites from worker huddles to safety culture to trade partner alignment.

• Why foreman meetings, visual systems, and zero-tolerance for chaos aren’t optional, they’re the foundation of flow.

• The hard truth: Lean will never take root in construction until everyone participates.

If you’re tired of trades working in silos, projects bogged down by excuses, and the industry lagging behind manufacturing, this episode is your wake-up call.

👉 Hit play and discover how to build a jobsite culture where every crew, every trade, and every leader moves together because without total participation, there is no lean.

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

This episode wraps up our Last Planner series and sets the stage for a brand-new Last Planner Implementation Guide with real-world visuals and field-proven steps.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why the classic “should–can–will–did” ladder fails and how to rebuild it with macro-level Takt so your plans are both realistic and reliable.
• How to structure work by zones, not dates, to shorten throughput time without fantasy durations.
• Why shielding and screening at the weekly level is already too late and what to do months earlier instead.
• The power of First Run Studies (done 3–6 weeks out) to guarantee crews only start what they can finish on time.
• How to use workable backlog as swing capacity for the train of trades keeping flow intact and crews productive.
• A clear line in the sand: why CPM can’t be your master schedule and what to use instead.

This isn’t just theory, it’s the foundation for a field-ready manual that teams can actually follow. If you’re serious about reliable promises, real flow, and project delivery that works, this episode is your blueprint.

👉 Hit play and close out the Last Planner series strong.

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

If you’ve ever struggled with making construction schedules truly reliable, this episode is a must-listen. Jason continues his series on the Last Planner System with a deep dive into the 2020 Benchmark, breaking down what’s working, what’s missing, and where the industry needs to head next.

From field engineering as the backbone of quality and safety, to the real meaning of reliable promises, Jason unpacks how detailed task breakdowns, constraint removal, and full-kit readiness set the stage for project success. He also shares insights on:

• Why lookahead planning is more than just a meeting, it’s a commitment to roadblock-free work.

• How Percent Plan Complete (PPC) can mislead you, and the better metric you should be tracking.

• Why integration with Takt planning and flow-based work packaging is essential for the next generation of Last Planner.

• The Benchmark’s push for target value delivery, adaptability, and continuous learning.

This isn’t theory, it’s practical, battle-tested insight designed for builders who want to lead with clarity, reliability, and flow.

If you’re ready to level up your planning game and see how Last Planner ties directly to Takt and real project delivery, hit play now.

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