In this episode, I delve deep into the concept of growth in business for 2025, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of structure over sheer ambition. Drawing from my previous episode about Henry Kaiser’s revolutionary methods that dramatically reduced shipbuilding times, I stress the necessity of focusing on continuous improvement rather than merely setting incremental goals. By moving from a traditional goal-oriented approach to an aim-focused mindset, we open ourselves to truly transformative growth.

Using the metaphor of gardening, I encourage business leaders to visualize their organizations as a garden requiring careful cultivation. The seeds represent potential employees, and it is essential to understand that potential remains dormant until the right conditions are met. Unlike the typical Western management approach—which often involves superficial motivators like pizza parties and pep talks—I propose an action-oriented strategy that prioritizes nurturing and supporting employees. It is not enough to plant seeds; we must actively tend to them. This involves ensuring a conducive environment with the right resources, protecting our plants from pests and obstacles, and continuously evaluating their growth.

I underscore the idea that a significant percentage of business failure is attributable to how we manage our processes rather than the capabilities of our team members. Citing W. Edwards Deming, I reflect on how an overwhelming 94% of issues identified in the past stemmed from poor systems rather than human error. I challenge listeners to consider whether their organization’s struggles arise from the seeds—i.e., the employees—or if they stem from the management—the farmers. Often, the answer lies with the latter, necessitating a re-examination of management philosophies that prioritize outdated metrics and KPIs.

Transitioning into the practical implications of these ideas, I introduce concepts of resilience and organic growth within organizations. As we face imminent economic challenges predicted for the next few years, it’s crucial for businesses to prepare not just for survival but for thriving amid adversity. I advocate for adopting a mindset of resilience, where businesses equipped with robust systems will be ready to seize opportunities even as others falter.

I also introduce my upcoming book, "The System," in which I challenge traditional Western management ideologies. By advocating for a shift in focus from managing individuals to refining processes, I aim to provide a framework that aligns contemporary business practices with those that drove significant economic advancements in the past. As we navigate through changing economic landscapes, prioritizing systematic organization and cultivating a supportive environment will be essential for achieving sustainable success.

This episode serves as a call to action for business leaders to get their hands dirty, to engage proactively with their teams, and to invest in creating fertile ground for growth. By fostering a mindset oriented towards nurturing and support, we can transform our organizations from mere survivors into thriving ecosystems poised for exceptional performance. Join me on this journey as The Process Fixer. Let's reimagine business growth and resilience together.

This episode offers an in-depth update on Derrick Mains’ recent journey and the evolution of The Process Fixer. After nearly five months away from podcasting, Derrick returns to share the incredible growth and response to his speaking engagements, which have now surpassed 100 events scheduled by the end of the year. His message has gained significant traction, with numerous appearances on leadership and operations podcasts where he explores the principles of operational excellence.

A key highlight of Derrick’s recent work is the launch of a new, comprehensive website, TheProcessFixer.com. This platform introduces his proprietary M4 methodology: Map, Measure, Manage, and Mobilize. The initiative aims to certify individuals as process fixers, building upon existing process triage training. This program focuses on addressing structural and systemic challenges within organizations while fostering a systems-thinking mindset—essential for operational success.

Central to Derrick’s discussions is the impact of events, behaviors, and structure on organizational performance. He emphasizes that while managing events and behaviors is necessary, it often distracts from addressing the root cause of inefficiencies: the design and structure of the system itself. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Deming, Derrick highlights that 94% of performance issues stem from structural inefficiencies, with only 6% attributable to individual shortcomings.

Derrick also shares insights into the innovative management practices of Henry Kaiser during World War II. Kaiser’s human-centric approach to shipbuilding illustrates how prioritizing structural design and addressing worker needs led to unprecedented results, such as constructing ships in days instead of months. This example underscores the transformative potential of optimizing systems over focusing solely on behaviors or events.

Looking ahead, Derrick is planning a series of training workshops and discovery days, offering businesses opportunities to engage with his systemic improvement strategies. He is particularly excited about his upcoming book, The System, which will encapsulate his ideologies and practical strategies for driving systemic change.

For those interested in delving deeper into Derrick’s methodologies, his new Substack community provides ongoing content, including exclusive webinars and discussions. Whether certified members or new to the Process Fixer community, participants will find valuable resources for their growth.

On this episode of The Process Fixer Podcast, we're joined by Max Hansen from Y Scouts. They specialize in streamlining and fixing the recruiting process, using new understandings of psychology and the hiring process, to prevent candidates from 'gamifying' the recruitment experience. Derrick and Max's conversation ranges from employee retention, to the value of shoulder-to-shoulder interactions, bringing new perspectives to the way we view the employee-employer relationship. Don't miss this episode of The Process Fixer Podcast!

Show Notes:

0:00 - 3:35 - Introduction to Max Hansen and Y Scouts

3:35 - 10:18 - Knowing a Candidate

10:18 - 17:23 - Being Shoulder to Shoulder

17:23 - 26:26 - The Process Triage Experience

26:26 - 36:50 - Improving the Process Through AI

36:50 - 46:31 - Perspective Seekers and Believables

46:31 - 49:13 - Investing in Your Frontline Employees

49:13 - 51:20 - Outro