Paul Akers, founder of FastCap and author of "2 Second Lean," shares his journey from master craftsman to Lean manufacturing advocate. He emphasizes the power of simplicity in enhancing workplace culture and productivity. Akers discusses how to tackle small annoyances for big improvements, introducing the concept of 'one-piece flow' and the revolutionary idea of starting with bathroom cleanliness to set organizational standards. His insights inspire listeners to embrace continuous improvement through a fun and effective approach.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Conflicting Assessments
Paul Akers's business was initially praised by a bank president for its organization, leading to loan approval.
However, Japanese consultants later deemed him "clueless" about manufacturing, highlighting a discrepancy in perception.
insights INSIGHT
Pride and Learning
Pride can prevent us from recognizing areas where we need to learn and grow.
Akers's initial pride in his craftsmanship blinded him to his shortcomings in manufacturing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lean Observation
Akers recounts observing a cabinet shop practicing lean principles, initially misinterpreting their calm efficiency as laziness.
Later, he realized this approach, including just-in-time inventory and one-piece flow, was the key to their success.
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Paul Akers: 2 Second Lean
Paul Akers is the founder and president of FastCap, a product development company specializing in woodworking tools and hardware for the professional builder. Through a series of twists and turns he discovered Lean and the Toyota Production System (TPS) which was instrumental in propelling FastCap as an example of Lean manufacturing and culture, now followed by thousands of companies around the world. He is the author of 2 Second Lean: How to Grow People and Build a Fun Lean Culture at Work & at Home*.
We often add more in order to make a system better. The opposite tactic is often more useful: making things simpler. In this conversation, Paul and I explore how to make worker better by starting small.
Key Points
Your pride will blind you to what you most need to learn.
Begin by addressing the things that bug you. Lean is about making things simpler.
Instead of batching, consider one-piece flow. This helps you improve as you go.
Set the standard at 2 seconds to try something new. Anybody can achieve that.
Start in the bathroom. Showing respect in the place everybody visits sets a standard for the rest of the organization.
To make something stick, (1) set the expectation, (2) inspect the expectation, (3) reinforce the expectation.
Resources Mentioned
2 Second Lean: How to Grow People and Build a Fun Lean Culture at Work & at Home* by Paul Akers
Example of 2 second lean in practice
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
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Engaging People Through Change, with Cassandra Worthy (episode 571)
How to Change the Way You Think, with Ari Weinzweig (episode 592)
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