"2 Second Lean"

Becky introduces the Tall Boy Marketing staff to a book for those looking to improve their business or their personal lives by making simple, 2 second improvements.

As the author, Paul Akers, says "fix what bugs you!" This is different from organizing. This is process improvement.

For example, my kid's sink (no matter how often I clean it) always has hardened, messy, toothpaste on it. Each time I clean it it bugs me. After reading this book, I thought hmm... instead of cleaning this 3 times a week, how can I improve the process? What is causing this mess (besides the kids)? Looking around I noticed toothbrushes scattered about and open, green toothpaste oozing onto my freshly cleaned counter. There was my answer right there!

Maybe if the boys have a spot to PUT their toothbrushes, they won't leave them scattered about (which causes toothpaste on the counters). So I got a toothbrush holder — easy. But then, there's the toothpaste. The messy, messy, green toothpaste. How am I going to fix this? Getting the kids to put the lid back on the toothpaste seemed like a simple fix but if you have elementary aged boys, you know it's not that simple. Looking for the solution led me to our local Wal-Mart and there it was in aisle G15! WHITE toothpaste that comes in a stand-up container with a little button you push to make the toothpaste come out. When you take your finger off the button, it closes back over the hole! My sanity just might be restored!

Now don't get me wrong, I still have to clean that counter once a week, BUT it is far less messy and I am far less annoyed.

I know this is a very mundane example, but hopefully you get the point. Check out this short (4 hours 29 minutes on audio) book if you're looking for a new mindset when it comes to fixing things that bug you.

Also, the author believes in giving back so the book is free right now on his website.

— Becky Styll