I Love the Smell of Sawdust in the Morning

There is just something about being around people who build things that I have always respected.

Some of the best examples of continuous improvement I have seen come from the people actually doing the work.

They see a problem.
They figure it out.
They find a better way.

No big process. No committee. They just make it work.

That's one of the things I have always admired about construction.

The people doing the work also understand how things connect.

A roofing system has to work with HVAC. Cladding has to work with windows and doors. Steel framing has to work with drywall. One decision affects something else. That is real operations knowledge.

I’ve always liked putting on my work boots and getting in there with the team. I don’t have all the answers. Far from it.

I want to see the work, understand the problems and learn from the people doing it every day.

Where do we lose time?

What gets in the way?

What doesn't make sense?

What would you change?

I've learned a lot by asking those questions.

I also think there is a lesson here for business leaders.

Go See the Work!

Don't just look at the reports.

Get out there. Talk to the people doing the work. Watch how things actually happen.

The people closest to the work usually know where the improvement opportunities are.

We need to take the time to listen and learn.

So, oh yes, I still like the smell of sawdust in the morning!

It reminds me that there is always a better way to build something.

And the people doing the building usually know where to find it.