A Systems Engineering Approach to Driving the ‘Right’ Organizational Culture and Life at the Right Pace

Enanga Daisy Fale (Northrop Grumman, University of Charleston, Society of Women Engineers)
Cherie Cain (RTX - Collins Aerospace, Society of Women Engineers)

Keywords
Systems Engineering;Systems Engineering Process;Self-leadership;Leadership Theory;Authentic Leadership;Culture of Inquiry;Culture of Reflection;Culture of Innovation
Abstract

As systems engineering leaders, we often feel pulled in multiple directions by our

desire or a call to assist and lead in multiple areas of life: work, school,

non-profit organizations, family, and our communities. How should we

effectively manage it all?


Excellence in our organizations and lives hinges upon an individual's ability to drive

towards goals, where execution quality leans upon leadership frameworks and

processes that unlock timely strategic decision-making and critical thinking

capabilities. The systems engineering process and systems thinking

methodologies can invoke self-management and leadership practices that open

equitable innovation and success pathways across life and work.


The presenters will walk through their case studies (spanning the aerospace and

defense industry and engineering nonprofits) leveraging systems engineering

processes and systems thinking methodologies as a methodology driving equitable

success across life and work that foster thought leadership, innovation,

collaboration, and positive results at work, in our communities, with our

families, and within ourselves. We all want to "win" in these

domains, which requires a teaming dynamic and self-management system that

fosters the right culture-driving behaviors, habits, and designs that create

the right future process, responses, and systems across each domain.


After attending, attendees should be able to leverage the systems engineering process

and systems thinking tools to identify what is and is not working to help

systems engineering leaders thrive in their careers while driving an

organizational culture that fosters innovation and measurable progress.


The presenters will review applied research findings from aerospace engineering and

tech organizations, universities, and nonprofit associations, which have led to

a reusable and early framework that will be shared with attendees.


Key words:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Self-leadership
  • Leadership Theory
  • Authentic Leadership
  • Culture of Inquiry
  • Culture of Reflection
  • Culture of Innovation


Topics

  • Systems Thinking, Social/Sociotechnical and Economic Systems
  • Decision Analysis and/or Decision Management
  • Diversity (cultural boundaries, diverse engineering teams, training underserved groups, etc.)