RULER Framework: The Emotional Intelligence Engineers Miss with Nikki Maginn

Описание: This episode of Change by Design explores effective strategies for leading change and fostering a positive culture in organizations. We discuss how to navigate the complexities of organizational transformation and ensure successful business transformation. Practical insights are provided on how to lead change effectively within any company.

Nikki shares her journey from nuclear engineering (including 199 rejections after graduating post-Fukushima) to leading operational change and building programs that help engineers become workforce-ready, resilient, and effective collaborators.

We explore why change sparks everything from frustration to optimism, how change leaders can validate emotions, and how to listen to resistance instead of fighting it.

🔑 KEY TOPICS:
What emotional intelligence actually is (and what it's not)
The RULER framework: Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, Regulate
Why emotionally intelligent engineers get promoted more
How to use resistance as feedback, not opposition
Navigating generational differences in engineering culture

👇 CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Intro: Engineering transformation & today's guest
1:00 – Nikki's mission: Teaching emotional intelligence to engineers
3:20 – Origin story: Aviation, engineering inspiration, and nuclear energy
5:20 – 199 rejections after Fukushima—and learning resilience early
7:10 – Dematic, "I'll get you coffee," and managing 33 projects
10:00 – Becoming a trusted problem solver and change leader
11:00 – Mentorship → workforce readiness: Why Nikki built her programs
13:30 – Engineering school realities: Mental health, isolation, collaboration gaps
16:40 – Defining emotional intelligence (and what it is not)
18:10 – RULER method: The practical EQ skills engineers can build
20:30 – EQ, trust, and compensation: Why it affects promotability
24:00 – Executives, emotion, and "translator" leadership
27:00 – Generational workplace dynamics: Purpose, "why," and adapting leadership
40:10 – The emotions of change: From frustration to excitement
45:00 – Leading change well: Validate emotions, create dialogue
53:00 – Resistance is feedback: Thick skin, regulation, and not taking it personally
56:30 – Psychological safety and the "shitty first draft" advantage
1:03:00 – Building real connection across teams
1:07:00 – Where to find Nikki (LinkedIn)

🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The RULER Approach: rulerapproach.org
Nikki's LinkedIn post on EQ + compensation

📌 ABOUT CHANGE BY DESIGN:
Change by Design shines a light on engineering transformation helping organizations navigate complexity, minimize risk, and maximize value in their digital transformation journeys. Hosted by Chad Jackson, Chief Analyst & CEO of Lifecycle Insights.

🌐 CONNECT WITH US:
Website: https://www.lifecycleinsights.com
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