ABSTRACT
As an extension of the basics, the execution and overarching philosophies further establish the ground rules that everyone on the team needs to play by. Do you know those complaints you hear about people not understanding the big picture? This is what they are actually talking about. They want to know how they should be approaching their work per the contract (the execution philosophy), and what they should keep in the forefront of their minds based on the specific promises made to the owner (the overarching philosophy). Though these philosophies may conflict, it is essential that you help your staff synthesize them. Even if your contract isn’t integrated project delivery (IPD), opportunities for Lean thinking abound provided that both philosophies are explicit and the focus of everyone’s attention.
