Banish Sloppiness: How I fell in love with precision while working in Japan.

by Paul A. Akers

Banish Sloppiness. How I fell in love with precision while working in Japan. Why should you read this book? For me, the epiphany of "banishing sloppiness and falling in love with precision" began on one of the most important journeys of my life. I identified my sloppiness and used Japanese thinking to transform my life into a new "kodawari" (uncompromising and relentless pursuit) of precision and quality. The Japanese have overcome tremendous adversities, both self-imposed and from external conditions, yet developed one of the most remarkable cultures in the world. This book will give you insights into how they did it and how I applied their thinking in my life and work. To Banish Sloppiness... we first have to recognize just how sloppy we are. You don't just learn this and then become perfect and precise in one fell swoop. It is a life long journey. There will still be mountains of sloppiness and waste everywhere and in everything you do. But what is important is that you begin the journey today. My hope and prayer is that this book might begin a journey in your life that creates greater fulfillment and respect for the abundance and blessings we have all been given. Remember, it's not about perfection. It's about starting the journey to perfection. This is the joy I experience every day, knowing that I am more thoughtful of the gifts that I have been given. Being wasteful benefits no one... but being thoughtful benefits everyone.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2020

Reviews

[Jason Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook so some this might be specific to that.

Lots of good nuggets and fascinating information about Japan, precision, and lean thinking but “I’m gonna go off script..” Is said about 50 times on the audiobook, a couple of times would have been fine but it definitely takes me out of the content of a chapter.

Also, there were just enough moments where Paul would drop what felt like an unnecessary reference or tidbit about his personal view that again distracted me from the points he was trying teach or story he was tying to share.

[Niels Philbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Akers is constantly improving. That's the brand which he is emodying by living it. Much respect.

This book is like a pragmatisk love letter to the Japan way of doing things. It shines through, that Paul is a huge fan. That excitement is rubbing off on the reader and makes it a great read.

Lots of concrete advice which is always a guarantee with books from Mr. Akers, so a solid recommendation. If you are new to Kaizen and lean thinking, then 2 Second Lean: How to Grow People and Build a Fun Lean Culture is the place to start. Also to appreciate the journey Paul has been on for the last years while embracing the LEAN methods and mindset.

[Richie Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for work; I like his premise and thesis for each chapter - take time to do a quality job, think long term as well as short term, be mindful of where things came from, etc. the issue I had with it, was that a majority of the book was just tales of his trips to Japan and the Japanese culture. Even though 77 pages is a short book, it really could have been brought down to about 15 pages if much of the stories were taken out. I find it ironic that one of the founders of Lean culture put so much filler in his book.

[Derek · Rating 1 out of 5]

When he mentioned he's learned stuff like tipping from Donald Trump in the same chapter about respect. Nope. Nope. Can't read anymore. But that's not the main reason. 1 hour in and I haven't learned anything. It's a review of how Japan is so great. There's small clues to what you need to do but it is definitely not anything like his first book 2 second lean. Do not read. Just read 2 second lean a few more times instead.

[Keith Goh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Japanese culture
Quality from the process n the culture
Rice culture
Not wasteful of the resources
Quality from the upstream source
Respectful, thankful , for others work
Calm n not crazy
Precision
Banish waste from the process

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful little book. There’s a lot to glean from the high standards, pride, and systems of the Japanese—and I love the fact that the author is an insider who’s lived, worked, and built friendships and working relationships with high level business acquaintances over many years.

The author’s YouTube channel about precision Japanese carpentry and construction—especially how they manage to keep their worksites so clean & efficient—really sold me on wanting to absorb more of the Japanese cultural practices.

He’s deeply steeped in the subtleties of Japanese culture and business practices as a result of his connections and experience running a factory as an entrepreneur—yet still writes in perfect (native) English as an American.

Usually, knowledge and experience of this depth would only be available in non-English books from a natively Japanese author—which typically aren’t translated (or translated well) into other languages.

The photos are great as well, and help support the writing. I came away from it more motivated to raise my own standards in business and personal life—beyond what’s thought of to be “good enough” by Western cultural standards.

[Bronson Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Paul describes how precision is necessary to survive in Japan, and how it is a requirement to do business with Japan in several instances. Amazing how so many cultures accept sloppiness and rework; it creates so much waste!