134 Rethinking Shop Floor Time - Technical People are People Too with Emily Nichols
01/08/25 • 27 min
In manufacturing, we often emphasize complex processes and new technologies, like artificial intelligence. But to bring true change and productivity to your organization, don’t forget about your people!
In this episode, learn all about the balance of technical skills and human connection with guest Emily Nichols! As a professional engineer with decades of experiences in manufacturing and innovation, Emily has worked with organizations like PepsiCo, Janssen, and Henkel. She now works with organizations who want to strengthen the human skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technical world. In this episode, she shares more about the important role of human skills, and offers lessons and insights for forming stronger connections, breaking down systemic barriers, and how to improve your “people score.”
2:01 – Even in fields like manufacturing, human skills play a very important role
5:43 – Current and emerging trends, like AI, make human connection even more important in retention and recruitment
8:29 – To form connections, increase your presence on the shop floor
12:36 – Visual uniformity can foster better connections and help you break down perceived barriers
19:39 – If you want more connections, you need to listen to and respect the expertise of everyone on your team
20:37 – To support women in your organization, you need to address systemic issues
23:39 – Even small changes, like using more inclusive language, can have a big impact on your culture
25:06 – We are people first, not machines
Connect with Emily Nichols
Visit her website
Connect on social media: @connectbettertoday
In manufacturing, we often emphasize complex processes and new technologies, like artificial intelligence. But to bring true change and productivity to your organization, don’t forget about your people!
In this episode, learn all about the balance of technical skills and human connection with guest Emily Nichols! As a professional engineer with decades of experiences in manufacturing and innovation, Emily has worked with organizations like PepsiCo, Janssen, and Henkel. She now works with organizations who want to strengthen the human skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technical world. In this episode, she shares more about the important role of human skills, and offers lessons and insights for forming stronger connections, breaking down systemic barriers, and how to improve your “people score.”
2:01 – Even in fields like manufacturing, human skills play a very important role
5:43 – Current and emerging trends, like AI, make human connection even more important in retention and recruitment
8:29 – To form connections, increase your presence on the shop floor
12:36 – Visual uniformity can foster better connections and help you break down perceived barriers
19:39 – If you want more connections, you need to listen to and respect the expertise of everyone on your team
20:37 – To support women in your organization, you need to address systemic issues
23:39 – Even small changes, like using more inclusive language, can have a big impact on your culture
25:06 – We are people first, not machines
Connect with Emily Nichols
Visit her website
Connect on social media: @connectbettertoday
Previous Episode
133 Using Your Big Sexy Idea to Differentiate Yourself with Mark Levy
In the busy field of manufacturing, how do you make yourself stand out? Find out in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with Mark Levy. Mark is a “differentiation expert,” who helps his clients find bold, innovative ways to showcase their big ideas and differentiate themselves from the competition. Mark has worked with dozens of corporations, brands, and thought leaders, including Simon Sinek, Amazon, Harvard Business School, and Major League Baseball, as well as leaders from government bodies like the United Nations. He was also a recent speaker for Tedx Talk, where he spoke about using the obvious to stand out in business and in life.
In this episode, Mark talks more about the importance of finding your “big sexy idea” and shares compelling stories from his own consulting experience to show how leaders can differentiate themselves and communicate their organization’s values, mission, and other unique aspects in an engaging and memorable way.
2:18 – To inspire your organization, articulate your values and missions in clear, engaging, and memorable ways
3:44 – When making a claim or sharing information, back it up with stories and facts to make it memorable and relatable
10:22 – To help your team learn your organization’s key values, keep a sheet with facts and stories that highlight your organization’s strengths, mission, values, and other key facts
12:17 – In manufacturing, we often overlook successes in favor of focusing on problem-solving
26:11 – As a leader, communicate in a way that ensures your team members feel valued and integral to your organization’s success
27:00 – Consider staring your meetings by sharing proud moments and highlighting recent successes
Connect with Mark Levy
Watch Mark’s Tedx Talk
Visit his website
Next Episode
135 Shifting from Blame to Solution in Manufacturing Teams with Darcy Luoma
In manufacturing, it seems like it’s always go, go go! But what if we could take a moment to pause, think, and act a little more thoughtfully and intentionally? Learn what can happen in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Darcy Luoma! Darcy is an author, consultant, and the creator of the Thoughtfully Fit approach, a dynamic and practical model for enhancing leadership capabilities, improving team dynamics, and navigating the complexities of leadership and teamwork.
In this episode, she shares a deep dive into her Thoughtfully Fit method, plus shares other tips and lessons leaders can use to strengthen their culture, connect with their team, and bring more accountability, intentionality, and thoughtfulness to their organization.
1:30 – Intentionally or unintentionally, culture is set from the top
2:39 – Using curiosity helps separate accountability from blame
4:21 – As a leader, you can help your team stay accountable by setting clear expectations and benchmarks
6:40 – Change your mindset to shift away from blame and toward solutions
8:26 – Don’t ignore your team’s dynamic, or else it can lead to issues like decreased morale and effectiveness
11:04 – By creating intentional space to address team dynamics and communicate styles, you’ll find better results
17:10 – Through a Thoughtfully Fit model, focus on pausing, thinking, and acting intentionally
21:31 – Practicing self-awareness as a leader can improve your team’s dynamics
23:20 – When applying Thoughtfully Fit principals, be consistent and practice even in small situations
Connect with Darcy Luoma
Visit her website
Take the Thoughtfully Fit quiz
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