Podcast Summary: Coaching for Leaders Episode 726: "Make Work Better Through Simplicity, with Paul Akers"

Host: Dave Stachowiak
Guest: Paul Akers, Founder & President of FastCap
Release Date: March 24, 2025

1. Introduction and Background

In Episode 726 of Coaching for Leaders, host Dave Stachowiak delves into the concept of simplicity in the workplace and personal life. Recognizing the increasing complexity in our daily environments—from digital distractions to intricate organizational structures—Dave emphasizes the need to simplify to enhance productivity and well-being. He welcomes Paul Akers, an expert in lean manufacturing and the author of Two Second Lean: How to Grow People and Build a Fun Lean Culture at Work and at Home. Paul brings his extensive experience from leading FastCap, a thriving product development company, and integrating the Toyota Production System into his business practices.

2. Paul Akers' Journey to Lean Manufacturing

Paul recounts his initial encounter with lean principles, highlighting a pivotal moment when he sought a loan from a bank:

Paul Akers [04:43]: "One week, the bank's telling me I'm the best they'd ever seen, give me any amount of money. And then these Japanese are telling me I have no clue what I'm doing."

Despite his success as a craftsman and entrepreneur, Paul faced criticism from Japanese consultants who introduced him to the Toyota Production System. This contrast between the bank's approval and the consultants' skepticism pushed him to embrace lean methodologies, transforming FastCap into a model of efficiency and simplicity.

3. The Philosophy of Simplicity

Central to Paul’s philosophy is the belief that lean is about making things simpler. He challenges the notion that complexity equates to improvement, advocating instead for incremental simplicity to drive meaningful change in both professional and personal spheres.

Paul Akers [08:11]: "It's not about you. Life is so powerful. The second you realize it's not about you, it's about what you contribute to society and humanity and how you improve other people's lives."

Paul emphasizes that contributing to others fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment, laying the groundwork for a simpler, more meaningful existence.

4. Implementing the 3S's and Daily Practices

Paul introduces the 3S's—Sweeping, Sorting, and Standardizing—as foundational practices for maintaining simplicity:

Paul Akers [08:11]: "Sweeping, sorting, standardizing. So that's this sorting and getting rid of anything that I didn't need and creating new standards."

He shares his personal routine, which begins early in the morning with a 10-15 minute session dedicated to organizing his environment. This habit sets a productive tone for the day, ensuring that his workspace is optimized for efficiency.

5. Two Second Lean and Small Improvements

A cornerstone of Paul’s methodology is the concept of Two Second Lean, which advocates for making small, manageable improvements that collectively lead to significant enhancements over time. Paul illustrates this with everyday examples:

Paul Akers [12:21]: "If something bothers you, fix it. This morning with the water pitcher, I saved those two seconds."

By addressing minor inconveniences, individuals can create a ripple effect of continuous improvement, fostering a culture where small wins accumulate to drive substantial progress.

6. One-Piece Flow vs. Batching

Paul differentiates between one-piece flow and batching, emphasizing the advantages of the former:

Paul Akers [22:46]: "One piece flow is like one of the magic things in life that unfortunately most people never understand."

Using a culinary analogy, Paul explains how one-piece flow ensures consistency and immediate feedback, allowing for prompt adjustments, unlike batching, which often leads to inefficiencies and delayed problem-solving.

7. Starting Improvements in the Bathroom

Highlighting the importance of leading by example, Paul recommends initiating simplicity practices in the workplace bathroom:

Paul Akers [29:06]: "The greatest respect you could ever show a person... is to give your employees a really beautiful place to relieve themselves."

By setting high standards in a frequently used area, he establishes a benchmark for overall workplace cleanliness and organization, promoting a culture of respect and excellence.

8. Continuous Improvement and Leadership

Paul underscores that lean is fundamentally a human development system focused on cultivating and empowering individuals:

Paul Akers [10:40]: "Toyota's focused on building people, the development of human beings because they know that's their most valuable asset."

He advocates for leaders to prioritize the growth and development of their teams, fostering an environment where continuous improvement is ingrained in the organizational culture.

9. Changes in Paul Akers' Approach Over Time

Reflecting on his journey, Paul shares how his approach to leadership and lean practices has evolved:

Paul Akers [31:25]: "I only allow my time to be allocated to people who sincerely want to change and I immediately and quickly dismiss everyone else."

This shift towards investing time in genuinely committed individuals has enhanced the effectiveness of his lean initiatives, ensuring that efforts are directed towards those who are ready to embrace change.

10. Conclusion and Additional Recommendations

Dave wraps up the episode by acknowledging Paul's contributions and recommending related episodes for further exploration:

• Episode 122: "How to Create Joy at Work" with Rich Sheridan
• Episode 571: "Engaging People Through Change" with Cassandra Worthy
• Episode 592: "How to Change the Way You Think" with Ari Weinswig

These episodes complement the themes discussed with Paul, offering listeners a broader perspective on leadership, change management, and personal development.

Key Takeaways:

• Simplicity Over Complexity: Embracing simplicity can lead to enhanced productivity and personal fulfillment.
• Continuous Improvement: Small, incremental changes accumulate to drive significant improvements.
• One-Piece Flow: Prioritizing one task at a time fosters efficiency and immediate problem resolution.
• Leadership Focus: Effective leaders invest in the development and empowerment of their teams.
• Starting Small: Initiating changes in high-visibility areas can set the tone for broader organizational culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Akers [08:11]: "It's not about you. Life is so powerful. The second you realize it's not about you, it's about what you contribute to society and humanity and how you improve other people's lives."
• Paul Akers [22:46]: "One piece flow is like one of the magic things in life that unfortunately most people never understand."
• Paul Akers [31:25]: "I only allow my time to be allocated to people who sincerely want to change and I immediately and quickly dismiss everyone else."

Resources Mentioned:

• Two Second Lean: How to Grow People and Build a Fun Lean Culture at Work and at Home by Paul Akers
• CoachingforLeaders.com

For leaders striving to cultivate a culture of simplicity and continuous improvement, this episode provides actionable insights and inspiring examples from a seasoned practitioner in the field.