Don’t Let COVID-19 Hold Back Progress on Lean Construction

Abstract

Trying to enforce Lean protocols often became impossible during the height of the pandemic; and many project uncertainties now remain. While the career pathways for project managers and craft workers have become clearer, Lean and more modern management techniques also broaden the managers' and craft workers' responsibilities. Keener Attention To Detail Lean construction protocols create what seem to be a bit more work for project managers and require keener attention to detail on every aspect of the project. Independent-minded U.S craft workers are less willing to work under Lean protocols that emphasize teamwork. On most American construction projects, especially union projects, the delineation between trades is standard, and overstepping a worker's responsibilities is not well accepted. Close interpersonal relationships developed by MBWA are crucial, too, in making the difference from running fat to running Lean and helping develop bonds that facilitate Lean implementation. Adam Post is a senior-level construction project manager who has studied business administration and finance at Boston University, civil engineering at Northeastern University and has a graduate degree in construction project management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.