Lean thinkers can create a long list of examples of waste, but maybe the worst example is the wasting of people’s potential. The reason it’s the worst is it not only fails to take advantage of the person’s current potential, but it can destroy the person’s spirit and future potential.  When people feel like no one cares about their opinion, they tend to develop an attitude of why should I care? In a NCS Radio interview, George Trachilis, CEO of Global OEM Solutions, (http://www.jackstreet.com/JackStreet/WCON.Trachilis.cfm) made the point that even the newest member of the organization can make a significant contribution.

More: Don’t Waste Your Company’s Human Potential

The construction industry needs to think LEAN. The industry should stop thinking in terms of either LEAN manufacturing or LEAN construction. Obviously, LEAN thinking it is applied differently in manufacturing than in construction, but the fundamentals are the same.

However, even contractors may need to think in terms of LEAN manufacturing. Read on for three situations where the contractor could use LEAN manufacturing.

More: Think Lean

I’m aware the term partnering within the construction industry has a bad connotation. In contrast, other industries experience significant benefits from partnering. The problem is the construction industry has used the term to define the wrong function. In construction, partnering typically refers to the demand-side of the supply chain. The benefits of partnering in this context have been limited. In fact, it has actually created barriers to true improvement.

More: Partnering Isn’t a Four-Letter Word