Let's talk straight on the roof - Rethinking Communication & Processes at Schlosser Dachbau
- Jakob Hysek
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Growth is good. Clarity is better.
At Schlosser Dachbau, we’ve reimagined communication, collaboration, and processes together—with the entire team, from the CEO to the apprentices.
4 Groups. 2 days each. Clear results.And we’ve proven that change in the skilled trades works when we tackle it together.
Starting Point
Schlosser Dachbau, a family-run contracting firm specializing in industrial flat roofs, has grown significantly over the past 3–5 years. More projects and higher revenue, but only a few more employees—who now have much greater responsibilities.
What long worked well, thanks to experience and pragmatism, increasingly led to:
too many ad-hoc arrangements & meetings
misunderstandings between project management in the office, the construction site, and the warehouse &
processes that have “evolved” under the motto: “That’s how we’ve always done it.”
At the same time, they were about to move to a new facility—the perfect moment to take a step back and rethink their structures.
The Approach - structured communication & process workshops
Instead of short, one-off training sessions for individual employees, Schlosser Dachbau opted for a comprehensive series of workshops:
2-day workshops in
4 separate groups (administrative staff & project managers, foremen & supervisors, installers, warehouse & logistics)
9–12 participants per group
same core content across all workshops, but practical examples tailored to each target group
All activities focused on:
improving communication
reducing misunderstandings
visualizing the "as-is" work processes
developing concrete improvements together
The Turning Point
The first day was all about team development and communication—with plenty of exercises, games, and open discussions.
At first, there was a palpable sense of skepticism across all groups:
“Things are rougher on a construction site. ”
or
“We don’t need to beat around the bush—I’ll tell them straight up if something’s not right…”
By the morning of the second day, the mood had changed. Many had continued to reflect on the previous day in the evening, discussing the topics further with colleagues, friends, or family.
There were questions, expressions of agreement, a deeper interest in the content, and a much better understanding of “those annoying games with the blanket and the blindfolds…”
„I can use this at home. My wife is super happy I get to attend such a workshop.“
Methods that work
short (theoretical) inputs at 5-10 mins max.
no slideshows, content was developed together on a whiteboard
lots of discussions on equal footing
practical exercises such as
trust exercise minefield
Lego® Serious Play
Design Thinking Formats
joint process mapping
The days were seen as engaging, open, and honest—and above all, relevant to everyday life.
Concrete Results
documented "as-is" process
clear stumbling blocks identified & prioritized (via Dot-Voting)
9 improvement ideas
3 short-term
3 mid-term
3 long-term
improved documentation (especially via the implementation of an AI-voice assistant for contractors)
installed regular, structured meetings
The Workshop Series reached a Net Promoter Score 39 – showing a strong signal that the participants saw the need and approved the workshops.
Why involving every level was crucial
Many of the most important insights came from the places where people work every day: the roof, the warehouse, and the logistics department.
The project management team at the office was often only partially aware of these perspectives, but they have now become the basis for better decisions.
The Follow-up
A month later, a joint Follow-up-Workshop brought all participants together:
Reflection
Discussion of Results
Commitment
Conclusion
Schlosser Dachbau has proven that change in the skilled trades works when:
all levels are brought together
communication is taken seriously
processes are designed jointly
„We need that too—finally, for everyone, from the CEO to the apprentice.“
About Me
After more than ten years in the international software and start-up world, I know the pressure to perform in modern careers from my own experience.
As a systemic coach and reserve soldier, I know how important clear communication, accountability, and trust are for teams to function effectively.
That's why I support teams in skilled trades, construction, and industry to improve their collaboration, resolve conflicts, and rekindle motivation—in a pragmatic, human way and with a passion for development.
Are you ready for the next step?
Whether it is a conflict in your team, a lack of motivation or communication issues. The first step for change is always a conversation. So let's have one:
We will address your questions in a 15-minute conversation and determine whether and how we can work together.
I look forward to getting to know you!
Comments