Stewarding Human Potential and Trust in Construction with John Toups (Episode 85)

In this thought-provoking episode on Stewarding Human Potential and Trust in Construction, host Adam Hoots engages in a profound discussion with John Toups, a seasoned transformational leader who is deeply passionate about bridging operational excellence and human-centered thinking in the construction industry. John, a dedicated lifelong learner, shares his rich experiences studying under renowned minds such as W. Edwards Deming and Dr. E. Scott Geller, and describes his innovative approaches to safety, productivity, and jobsite engagement.

Throughout the conversation, John emphasizes the importance of systematically engaging workers and creating a trusting environment where their imagination and ingenuity can thrive. He discusses the powerful concept of “Boot Link,” a system designed to operationalize the stewardship of human potential, transforming project sites by connecting leadership directly with the boots-on-the-ground workforce.

Key takeaways from Stewarding Human Potential and Trust in Construction include:

• The critical shift from controlling behavior to awakening the capacity and creativity of individual workers.
• The need to trust and empower craft workers, allowing them to identify and address variances in work processes.
• How leveraging neuroscience and behavioral science can enhance worker safety, productivity, and job satisfaction.
• Practical strategies for CEOs and leaders to reflect on and adjust their mindset towards worker engagement and stewardship.
• Real-world examples demonstrating substantial cost savings and improved safety through active worker participation and process improvement.

John passionately challenges traditional paradigms, encouraging construction leaders to rethink their approaches to workforce engagement. He advocates for operationalizing trust and systematically listening to and implementing workers’ innovative ideas, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and a more respected and satisfied workforce.

 

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:

The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• J.W. Toups, Inc. | John Toups’s resources and insights.
• The Lean Builder | Blog, book, resources, news, and events.
• “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman | Insights on cognitive biases and decision-making.
• “The Nine Lies About Work” by Marcus Buckingham | Reexamining common beliefs about work.
• “Indirect Work” by Carol Sanford | Challenging traditional business paradigms and leadership practices.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host for Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions.
• John Toups | LinkedIn | Transformational Leader, Human-Centered Systems Thinker, and Advocate for Operational Excellence in Construction with J.W. Toups, Inc.