What the best price for training in the skilled trades? Free.

As long as it isn't a big waste of time or just some marketing scheme to transform your employees into the salesforce for the next construction industry gimmick. 

Give The DYOJO Podcast 5 minutes to prove that 1) this seasons series on construction project management is worth your time as a business owner, manager, and aspiring construction professional; and 2) isn't just a marketing gimmick. We are going to try to sell you our books, because we wrote them and need to feed our families, but the content will be real work experience that will help your team members develop. 

​The Core Challenges of Project Management

At first glance, the basics of project management seem straightforward:

• Scope: Delivering what was agreed upon in the contract.
• Budget: Staying within financial constraints to ensure profitability.
• Schedule: Meeting deadlines to satisfy clients and maintain efficiency.

However, the execution is where many stumble. Mismanaged communication, unclear expectations, and failure to track changes can derail even the best-laid plans. For example:

• A project completed on budget and on schedule but off scope could damage your reputation if quality or compliance standards aren’t met.
• Hitting scope and schedule but exceeding the budget might indicate overlooked change orders or underestimated costs.
• Delivering on scope and budget but missing deadlines can frustrate clients and lead to financial penalties.

Instead of demanding compliance with an order to run laps, I made a small tweak and reframed discipline into something engaging. I threw a soccer ball out onto the field and turned it into a competitive drill. Two players raced to the ball: one played offense and the other defense. They ran, hustled, and worked hard—but instead of complaints, there was enthusiasm and laughter. This simple shift got the kids moving (run you turds) but also improved their skills in dribbling, defending, and competing under pressure.

That moment of innovation didn’t just help me on the soccer field; it taught me a valuable lesson that applies to leading teams in the workplace. Achieving goals isn’t always about doubling down on discipline, it’s about finding creative solutions that make the process engaging and effective.

Transforming Frustration into Employee Engagement 

For many managers, training employees can feel like shouting into the void. Traditional methods—long meetings, repetitive workshops, or endless checklists—often fail to inspire engagement. Employees may check the box but aren’t always learning or improving. Similar to my soccer coaching experience, doing what you have learned from prior managers, i.e. repeating old mindsets and habits, likely results in resistance, frustration, and minimal results for all involved. However, a little creativity can turn routine training into a purpose-driven activity that achieves more than just compliance. ​

Keywords: 

• Creative employee training
• Workplace engagement strategies
• Effective team management
• Employee skill development
• Hands-on training techniques
• Gamification in the workplace
• Innovative leadership methods
• Purpose-driven employee activities
• Experiential learning strategies
• Motivating employees to achieve goals

INTRO (excerpt).


Two types of people will receive and read this book. We call them Young Professional A (YPA) and Young Professional B (YPB). At the start of their career, there isn't much that separates YPA from YPB. They both have few resources, little work experience, and low knowledge about the working world.


Both young professionals are going to struggle to get a job. Both young professionals have people that care about them. The difference is that one of these young professionals will listen to what the good influences around them are saying. The young professional with the right road map and the willingness to learn, will set themselves up for success.


P2T creates win-wins for employers and employees. P2T is book one in the Resources for Young Pros series. Organizations win when their young professionals are engaged. Young pros win when they have a road map for success. The stories, examples, and principles shared in this book are from real world experience.


P2T will prepare readers to thrive in the modern workplace. Prepared to thrive in any job interview. Prepared to thrive in any new job. Prepared to thrive as emerging professionals. Employers are be handing P2T out by the dozens to new hires


P2T is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook through Amazon. Get your copy today!


#CareerOpportunities #CareerGrowth #careerdevelopment #careers #book #audiobook #youngprofessionals

This episode tackles the challenges of project management head-on, highlighting the key ingredients for success: profitability and customer satisfaction. These are the twin pillars every construction business needs to thrive. But achieving them is easier said than done.

Host Jon Isaacson dives into the core metrics that define project success—completing jobs on scope, budget, and time. He explores real-world scenarios where things go wrong, like projects completed on budget and on schedule but off scope, which can spiral into costly reputational or legal issues. Or the all-too-common problem of unmanaged scope creep that eats into profitability despite meeting other goals.

So, what’s the solution? Clear communication, effective planning, and proactive capture of change orders. This episode delivers actionable insights to help contractors avoid financial setbacks, maintain their reputation, and achieve consistent project success.

🎙️ Why Listen to The DYOJO Podcast?

• Gain expert advice tailored to contractors and service-based businesses.
• Learn practical methods to improve project outcomes.
• Shorten your learning curve and grow your business.

​
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a new project manager looking to hone your skills, The DYOJO Podcast delivers value-packed episodes that combine expertise with relatable industry stories. 🎧 Listen to Episode 121 on Spotify today! Discover how to build a stronger team, streamline processes, and achieve consistent results for your construction business. Your projects—and your business—deserve better. Let The DYOJO Podcast help you make it happen.

In the fast-paced world of construction, project management often feels like a carousel—spinning with opportunities, but also pitfalls that can lead to lackluster outcomes. The stakes are high, with businesses needing to meet the dual goals of profitability and customer satisfaction while navigating the intricacies of project scope, budget, and schedule. Let’s explore these challenges, the scenarios that lead to missed targets, and strategies to break free from this cycle of "madness."  

NOTE: This blog post accompanies Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast: Project Management Lackluster Outcomes and How to Avoid Them. Watch on YouTube or Listen on Spotify (or other podcast platforms) 

The Two Pillars of Business Success

For any construction organization to thrive, two fundamental objectives must be met:  

1. Profitability: Profit isn’t just about lining pockets; it’s about reinvestment. From expanding operations to offering benefits like healthcare and retirement plans, profitability is a necessity. Without it, a business teeters on the edge of failure, turning into an unsustainable hobby or charity.  
   
2. Happy Customers: Customer satisfaction drives repeat business, positive reviews, and a solid reputation. However, it's not just about making clients smile—happy customers help control costs by avoiding rework or disputes.  

Balancing these pillars is a constant challenge, especially when focusing too heavily on one risks undermining the other. But when both are prioritized, they create a sustainable foundation for long-term success. 

The Basics of Project Management

Construction project managers are tasked with ensuring projects are:  
On Scope: Delivering exactly what was agreed upon in the contract.  
On Budget: Keeping costs within the agreed parameters to secure profitability.  
On Schedule: Meeting deadlines to avoid penalties and maintain client trust.  

When all three align, the carousel slows, and outcomes improve. Yet, the carousel often spins out of control, leading to one or more of these benchmarks being missed.  


The Carousel of Lackluster Outcomes

Scenario A: On Scope and On Budget, But Off Schedule
When a project hits the agreed scope and budget but misses the timeline, customers are often left dissatisfied. Delayed timelines can lead to lost revenue, disrupted plans, and a tarnished reputation for the contractor.  

Causes:  
- Material shortages or delays.  
- Customer indecision on selections.  
- Poor planning or miscommunication.  

Impact: While financial penalties may not always apply, the damage to relationships and future business opportunities can be significant.  

Scenario B: On Budget and On Schedule, But Off Scope 
This scenario often borders on fraud. Cutting corners or failing to deliver the promised scope—whether intentional or accidental—undermines trust and quality.  

Causes:  
- Inadequate quality control.  
- Deliberate shortcuts to save costs.  
- Miscommunication about project expectations.  

Impact: Even if the client doesn’t immediately notice, subpar work catches up eventually, leading to costly repairs, legal disputes, and reputation damage.  

Scenario C: On Schedule and On Scope, But Off Budget 
This is a common issue when scope creep isn’t controlled. Uncaptured change orders, additional labor, or unexpected material costs can quickly erode profitability.  

Causes:  
- Poor initial estimates.  
- Failing to document and charge for legitimate changes.  
- Production teams prioritizing speed over proper approvals.  

Impact: While the customer may be satisfied, the financial hit can jeopardize the business.