About the Episode
About the Episode: It has become a theme on “I Wanna Work There!”–higher education is a people business, especially when it comes to faculty and staff. So, what happens when faculty and staff are forced to conform to an institution’s processes and culture? While it seems normal, Erik Rueter sees this as forcing employees to “use a hammer to try to screw something into a wall.” That is why Erik champions human-centered design. Don’t be fooled by what may seem like feel-good language. Erik explains how human-centered design boosts institutional efficiencies, processes and profitability in addition to faculty and staff’s talent experience.
The Magic of Kanban and Human-Centered Design
Erik Rueter, celebrated for turning chaos into order with his project management skills, shares his journey into the realm of human-centered design. His experiences across various roles highlighted a universal truth: the importance of prioritizing people in every aspect of work.
Rueter's introduction to Kanban boards to Eddie Francis symbolizes more than just a tool for organization—it represents a shift towards efficiency and clarity in managing tasks, especially valuable for startups and individuals grappling with complex projects.
Cultivating Employee-Centric Workplaces
The discussion progresses to explore the essence of human-centered design beyond its conventional application in product and service development.
Rueter advocates for its adoption within organizational structures, emphasizing designing processes that cater to the team's needs rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions. This approach not only enhances productivity but also nurtures a supportive environment where employees feel valued and understood.
Building Flexibility and Engagement
Erik Rueter underscores the significance of flexibility in processes to accommodate the diverse ways people work best.
This adaptability is not about compromising business needs but about harmonizing them with employee strengths and preferences. Such a strategy not only elevates efficiency but also empowers individuals, leading to a more cohesive and motivated team.
To help your institution with its talent experience efforts, here are this episode’s three takeaways:
- Understanding of what human-centered design is,
- How human-centered design can be applied to the complex campus environment, and
- Ways to implement human-centered design for a great faculty and staff experience.
About the Show: I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Join us for an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice.
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager and Talking Tactics.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — many of your favorite Enrollify creators will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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