Love Them or Hate Them, You Need Them

Last week, while I was in Metro Detroit, I drove by a familiar building and sat in the parking lot. Here’s why:

💡 This is where my love for systems was born.

In 1994, I started working at Mountain Jack’s Steakhouse. Up until that point, I had only worked for buffet restaurants (pretty gross, to be honest). Then, I landed a Busser job at Mountain Jack’s, and everything changed. I had to wear black pants, a white dress shirt, and a tie. Very fancy.

For whatever reason, I started to eye a job in the kitchen. I knew I would make more as a waiter—and my boss encouraged me to transfer—but I was drawn to the kitchen. I salivated at the thought of leading in that space.

After a few months, I wanted to be a Chef. No joke! There was just something about running a kitchen that appealed to me in a huge way.

Soon after, I became the Lead Busser, which meant I got to schedule shifts and help hire new team members. That was awesome, but my dream of working in the kitchen didn’t fade. Every chance I got, I would sneak to the back to learn from the Sous Chef and other cooks.

Finally, I approached my boss with my request, and to my shock, they moved me to the kitchen! But when I showed up for my first day, I learned that I was technically in the kitchen... as a dishwasher. Not quite the glamorous role I had imagined. It was wet, messy, and sometimes downright disgusting—but I did it. And to my surprise, I ended up really liking it.

From there, it was a climb: I moved from dishwasher to Salad Cook, then Line Cook, then Head Line Cook, and finally Prep Cook. I even started preparing for the Sous Chef training program, doing everything I could to get ready.

There was nothing better than preparing food for hundreds of people. Nothing better than teaching new cooks how to be efficient. And nothing better than being alone in the kitchen at 5 a.m., unloading the truck and prepping food for the day.

I hadn’t seen that building in over 20 years. Driving around it brought back so many memories—those early mornings, the hustle, and the lessons learned.

As I look back, that job helped prepare me for my future in ways I didn’t expect. I learned about teamwork, following processes and systems, handling conflict between employees, and the incredible power of systems to keep everything running smoothly.

Systems Build Leadership

Reflecting on that season of life, I see how those early lessons about systems now shape how I lead, communicate, and collaborate. Systems thinking isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating structure and clarity that allow teams to thrive.

As we enter 2025, I want to challenge leaders to invest in mastering communication and building better systems for their teams. When communication and systems work hand in hand, organizations experience less chaos, more productivity, and healthier cultures.

Communication Is the Ultimate System

When I think back to those mornings in the kitchen, I realize that what made the biggest difference wasn’t just the recipes or techniques—it was the communication. Clear communication was the difference between an organized kitchen and one filled with frustrated employees and burnt dishes.

The same principle applies to leadership. How well we communicate directly influences how well our teams perform.

Commit to Improving Your Communication in 2025

Let’s make 2025 the year you decide to master communication. Leadership isn’t about standing at the front and giving orders; it’s about speaking with people, listening, and building trust through intentional conversations.

Here’s How to Start:

• Enroll in Speak with People’s How to Communicate Course – Build foundational communication skills that foster stronger connections and influence.
• Take the Presentation Blueprint Course – Learn how to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively to any audience.
• Sign Up for Speak Like a Leader – Elevate your leadership by mastering the language of influence and authority.
• Set Clear Communication Goals – Identify areas for growth like active listening, delivering feedback, or public speaking, and map out a development plan.
• Host Monthly Vision-Setting Conversations – Create spaces where you and your team can align on goals, expectations, and strategies.

Systems, Communication, and Leadership Go Hand in Hand

When I stood in that parking lot last week, I realized how much those small moments—like scheduling bussing shifts or unloading kitchen trucks—prepared me for the work I do now. Leadership isn’t built in the spotlight; it’s forged in the daily systems, habits, and conversations we choose to cultivate.

So as 2025 approaches, I want to encourage you to reflect on your own leadership journey. What early lessons shaped the leader you are today? How can refining your communication and systems make you a better leader tomorrow?

Let’s make this year the one where you step fully into your leadership potential. And remember, I’m here to help you along the way.

P.S. Don’t forget to explore Speak with People’s courses and resources to kickstart your growth in 2025.

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People  With over 25 years of experience, Jason has spoken from stages across the country, inspiring and motivating his audiences with stories, laughter, and practical tools to succeed. Book Jason for your next conference or workshop.