Make. It. Easy. Stupid. (MIES)

Technology companies like Shopify offer great perks. Stock options, a fun workplace, and free lunches! At first, Shopify’s lunches were no problem. But as the number of employees grew, so did the mess.

For a spell, co-founders Tobi Lütke and Dan Weindard cleaned up after everyone. But that wasn’t sustainable. They put up a sign: Please clean up after lunch.

That worked.

Until it didn’t. They upgraded the sign with a picture of Dan sadly doing the dishes. “Shame, shame, shame” - that would do the trick.

But that faded too.

The problem was that Tobi and Dan tried to change people’s minds, habits, and actions. That’s a tall order. It’s easier to make things easier.

So they placed trash cans and a place for the cutlery and dishes at each exit.

People are wired to take the shortest path. Our brains don’t even surface options that include extra work. GEICO’s tagline, so easy a caveman can do it, highlights our simplicity. Insurance is loaded with work and worry - our brains don’t like that.

Make it easy instead.

The Daily Entrepreneur newsletter delivers brief meditations on the principles & practices of the world's greatest business builders. This newsletter will always remain free and dedicated to helping you get a little better each day.