The $5 Haircut

A day at my barber is a masterclass in human-to-human value exchange.

Two people, risking a lot, while trusting each other to achieve one simple thing —

A great haircut in exchange for a few hundred bucks.

No paperwork.

No project plan.

No sync calls.

The stakes are high — A bad haircut is not an option. It’s something I’ll have to live with for weeks. Still, 9 out of 10 times, it works out.

The haircut comes out neat. Predictable. Pretty much what I wanted.

Plus the experience is always at the top. We talk, share stories, laugh and adjust when needed.

And when it’s done — we’re done.

No confusion. No anxiety. No second-guessing.

A seemingly risky interaction that is handled with simplicity and flow.

But, why does it work?

Me, as a customer:

  1. I’m clear on what I want — goal clarity
  2. I tell him — simple brief
  3. I see it happening — real-time visibility