A businessman was talking with his barber, when they both noticed a goofy-looking fellow bouncing down the sidewalk. The barber whispered, "That's Tommy, one of the stupidest kids you'll ever meet. Here, I'll show you."

"Hey Tommy! Come here!" yelled the barber. Tommy came bouncing over "Hi Mr. Williams!" The barber pulled out a rusty dime and a shiny quarter and told Tommy he could keep the one of his choice. Tommy looked long and hard at the dime and quarter and then quickly snapped the dime from the barber's hand. The barber looked at the businessman and said, "See, I told you."

After his haircut, the businessman caught up with Tommy and asked him why he chose the dime.

Tommy looked at him in the eye and said, "If I take the quarter, the game is over."

 

   

 

Example of a Truly Lean Value Chain

Vadim Kotelnikov advice quotes

This is a truly amazing educational joke. It teaches us many things.

Vadim Kotelnikov

e-Coach

Playing dumb

Socrates used this technique more than 2300 years ago. Today, many world's smartest and fastest businesspeople have perfected this art – consciously or unconsciously.

Strategic thinking

Tommy thinks strategically when repeatedly chooses a rusty dime.

Win-Win

Both the barber and Tommy feel god about the show

Pricing

Tommy chooses the low-price strategy in order to retain the customer

Customer satisfaction

Tommy knows how to keep the customer more than satisfied

Customers retention

It's much easier to retain a customer that to win over a new one. Tommy teaches us how get loyal customers.

Critical thinking

The barber teaches us to think critically when things seem to go too good.