Ep.846 - Trades, Please Stop Charging Extra for Lean Projects!

Jason speaks directly to trade partners about a trend he's seeing as lean implementations scale: some are adding a charge for things like morning huddles, foreman huddles, and delivering by zone, often because of past lean efforts that didn't go well. He shares his sympathy for trade partners who have worked with general contractors that didn't know how to implement lean, and he explains why charging extra can discourage the very progress that helps everyone. His rule of thumb is to give a general contractor the benefit of the doubt on a first lean project and talk through concerns before adding a charge. He also asks general contractors to be clear about what kind of implementation they're running, since stable, well-run projects should bring costs down. What you'll learn in this episode: Why some trade partners are adding charges for lean practices, and why Jason has sympathy for the experiences behind that How to tell a well-run lean implementation (Takt paired with Last Planner, collaboration, and operational stability) from a poorly run one Why more stable projects with less waste, less rework, and fewer delays should lower costs and not raise them A rule of thumb for the first lean project with a client: give a fair price and the benefit of the doubt, then have a conversation if it isn't working What general contractors can do to be clear about their approach and make it easier for trade partners to say yes If a general contractor showed you a stable, collaborative plan, what would it take for you to see lean as a way to bring your costs down? 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