Thank You Sustaining Sponsors!
What Distinguishes LCI’s Certification Program from a Certificate?
LCI’s Certification program stands out as a nationally recognized credential adhering to stringent industry standards. Unlike typical certificates, which may be awarded upon course completion, LCI’s Certification requires passing a rigorous exam and undergoing a comprehensive portfolio review to validate real-world Lean design and construction experience.
Professionals with LCI’s Certification are highly sought after by owners and employers for their proven practical Lean skills. Only LCI’s Design and Construction certifications meet national standards and stand for rigor and quality.
To learn more about LCI’s Certification program, please check out our Certification page. Plus, register for our upcoming webinar: “Is LCI Certification Right for You?” on August 8th.
Congress Session Spotlight
We’re sharing previews of fresh, groundbreaking, and actionable content you’ll find at the 2024 LCI Congress in San Diego, October 22-25. Learn more about the exciting 2024 Congress session, Lean Waves: Transforming Construction in LATAM, from Melissa Quintana, Lean Manager at Hermosillo and one of this sessions’ presenter.
Make sure you’re there to catch this session and more as we surf the wave of Lean design and construction together. Reminder: You can lock in the lowest registration rates through July 31. Register for Congress today!
Learn even more about this tale of Lean transformation.
Quick Tip: Register for the Core Program (Wednesday/Thursday), then you’ll have the option to add on the Golf Tournament (Monday), Learning Day (Tuesday), and Gemba Day (Friday).
Contact Joan Piccariello with questions on the Congress program.
Contact Ilene Goldberg with questions on sponsor or exhibitor packages.
10 Tips for Great Daily Huddles
Daily huddles are a crucial component for any project in Lean design and construction, keeping everyone on the same page and allowing for collaboration, creative problem solving, free flowing communication, and facilitating healthy discussion consistent with a respect for people. In this video, Talley Riggins Construction Group walks us through 10 tips for great daily huddles.
Want to get more great tips from industry professionals implementing Lean in their day-to-day work? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Upcoming Webinars
July 25, 2024
11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Introduction to Choosing By Advantages
August 8, 2024
11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Is LCI Certification Right for You?
August 22, 2024
11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Gemba Walks for Construction
Member Connections: 5 Questions With...
Brian McEachern, CM Lean
National Lean Manager
PCL Constructors Inc.
bkmceachern@pcl.com
This week, Brian McEachern, National Lean Manager at PCL Constructors Inc., shares his thoughts on combating the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality. Learn how Brian has found his way around that way of thinking.
We’d love to hear your Lean story. Reach out to Maryann if you’re willing to share.
What hurdles did you encounter when implementing Lean on a project (in your company), and how did you tackle them?
I think the biggest hurdle that most people come up against in our industry is the “We’ve always done it this way” mentality. The construction industry isn’t keen on adopting change, it’s an industry that relies on the experience of individuals and most of the time they have been working a certain way for years. Trying to show the benefits of Lean techniques and incorporating new processes into the way we do things can be a struggle. What I have found is getting certain individuals on your side that are willing to try different things is key. Once you can get an experienced person to try something like Last Planner System® and see the benefit of it, you can start to gain momentum because they tell their peers about how well it worked.
What stories can you share about a successful Lean project (Lean implementation effort) you were involved in and what do you think made it work?
When I first wanted to implement Last Planner System® (LPS®) on a project, I went into the office of the superintendent to say I had this new process to help them plan and I was quickly turned around and sent on my way. I went back a couple of days later with a plan to fully explain the process; he listened and agreed to give it a shot. The process worked well; the team collaborated, communicated, and worked their plans; it was a successful project. I ended up gaining an advocate for LPS® which meant I didn’t have to sell it as much, I could now use the experience from that first team to inform other projects teams of the benefits. Having those key individuals on your side really helps with growing the use of Lean tools.
In your opinion, what are the biggest benefits of applying Lean and how have they impacted your projects, your teams, or your organization?
Some of the biggest impacts I have seen have been on the collaboration side of things. Over the last 20 years our industry has become more fragmented, and the focus has not been about optimizing the project; everyone is out there for themselves. Having people work as a team is at the heart of what Lean is all about and we see that in projects that embrace some of what Lean has to offer. The biggest benefits I have seen are teams really working together with a common goal of optimizing the project and that inherently creates efficiencies individually.
How do you assess if your Lean game is strong; are there metrics or techniques you rely on and can share?
I think most people that are in similar roles to me are never really satisfied with where we are at regarding our “Lean game”. There’s always improvement to be made, there’s always more people to reach (especially in a very large organization), there’s always something you can do to promote how well all this Lean stuff works. In the end, for me, I like to focus on the people that are implementing certain processes or techniques and continue to promote it to the ones that aren’t. But one of the things you can do to gauge if people are listening to what you say is by listening to the way they talk. When I hear words or phrases like “Creating Value”, “Reducing Waste”, or “Continuous Improvement” being said in the hallways, on job sites, or in presentations by senior leaders then I know that at least some of what we are trying to do is working.
If someone’s just dipping their toes into Lean, what advice would you offer from lessons you’ve learned?
Patience, patience, patience. As much as we want to flip everything on its head quickly, that just isn’t reality; it takes time. When people talk about the “Lean Journey”, it really is true. This takes time, this takes energy, and it takes some resources, but once you start to get a little momentum you will start to see how it all helps and makes things better. The second piece of advice I have is that Lean is about people. Lean requires people and more importantly it requires respect for people. You can try all the Lean tools that are available, but if you don’t practice respect for people as a core value then it will fail.
Curated Content: Introduction to the Last Planner System® (LPS®) for Design
Lean concepts have long been instrumental in enhancing value and minimizing waste during the construction phase of projects. However, their application during the design phase can be equally transformative.
The design phase is a critical period where key decisions shape the project’s foundation. Implementing Lean methods early allows owners, designers, and constructors to collaborate effectively, significantly reducing waste.
One of the most effective tools for maintaining project timelines and enhancing outcomes across all phases is the Last Planner System® (LPS®), developed by the Lean Construction Institute. While LPS® has proven invaluable in the construction phase, it can also be adapted to the design phase to achieve outstanding results.
Explore how LPS® can streamline your design process and drive success from the start on our website here.
Join Your Local Community of Practice (CoP)!
LCI Communities of Practice (CoP) bring Lean principles to life in your local area. With LCI CoPs located across the country, these vibrant communities support your Lean journey, enhancing your knowledge and awareness while connecting you with like-minded professionals.
To find your nearest Community of Practice, visit the Communities of Practice page on the LCI website.
Lean Assessments
How strong is your Lean knowledge? Take a Lean assessment to determine your current state so you have a baseline for improvement. Lean assessments are available for individuals, teams, and organizations alike. Whether you’re new to Lean or are an experienced Lean practitioner, Lean assessments are a great way to get started at LCI!
TAKE ASSESSMENT