Hard hats and AI? Lean and AI? As an emotional intelligence coach who's spent years in the trenches of the construction industry, I see the whispers around AI. The fear, anxiety, the uncertainty. "Will robots take my job?" they ask, eyes wide.

But let me tell you something, folks: AI isn't here to replace you. It's here to supercharge you.

Even in process-heavy initiatives like Lean and Last Planner, AI will only make things better. Let’s think about the two pillars of Lean: Respect for People and Continuous Improvement. These are foundational to Lean, and Last Planner is vital for project success. Consider these foundational elements and AI. Of course, AI will never replace people, but it has the ability to do the “thinking” and the “process” so that the people on the project can put in the time to connect with each other. And as we know from past experience, when those relationships are strong and respect is high, the project is much more likely to be successful.

As for the second pillar, Continuous Improvement, this is where AI shines. The entire concept is about processing large amounts of data for better decisions and better ways of doing things. That is what continuous improvement is all about.

Think of it like this: remember the days of hand-drawn blueprints? Now, we have BIM, but did it eliminate architects? Heck no! It empowered them, freeing their minds for more creative problem-solving.

AI in construction is the same. It'll crunch data like nobody's business, predict risks, optimize schedules, and improve our lean journeys. But guess what? It can't build trust with clients, lead a team through a crisis, or spark that innovative idea that wins the day.

That's where your human magic comes in. Your ability to connect, collaborate, and adapt is what sets you apart. It's the emotional intelligence that robots can't replicate, the critical people skills that will future-proof your career.

Instead of fearing the robots, let's embrace them as allies. Let's upskill ourselves to work alongside AI, becoming the symphonic blend of human and machine that will build the future.

Here's your action plan:

Sharpen your people skills: Communication, leadership, critical thinking – these are the weapons that will win the war for talent. Invest in courses, workshops, or even find a mentor.

Remember, the future is not about robots replacing us, it's about humans and machines working together. So, let's stop sweating the robots and start honing our humanity. It's what makes us truly irreplaceable.

Now, I want to hear from you. What are your biggest concerns about AI in construction? Where do your projects get off track with Lean and Last Planner? How can AI improve what you are doing? What are you doing to prepare for the future? Share your comments! Let's build a future where humans and AI thrive together!