“An ideal facility manager must have Aristotle’s logic and Solomon’s wisdom, a priest’s discretion and a gambler’s poker face, a lawyer’s shrewdness and a marketing director’s charm, a gladiator’s guts, a marathon runner’s perseverance and a sprinter’s speed, a leatherneck’s toughness and a dancer’s agility, lots of good luck and 30 hours per day” – Source Unknown

Although this vivid description may be a bit overwhelming for a facility manager who is just starting out – don’t worry – the following list of tips will help get you there in no time!

1. JOIN A PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Any new experience or role may feel perplexing at first – that’s natural. What’s important to keep in mind is that there are numerous individuals who have been in your shoes before and can help you on your journey. These facility management mavens are passionate about similar interests and are more than willing to provide you with advice and expertise. The best way to connect and find a mentor is to join a professional organization such as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) or the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).  There, you’ll also find opportunities for educational workshops and personal development.

2. Familiarize yourself with the lexicon

Your job description may not require you to build an HVAC unit from scratch; however, it is in your best interest to have foundational knowledge about how it works – especially regarding the appropriate language and terminology. Learning the technical words surrounding the facility management profession is easier than you may think with all the resources that are at your disposal! Here are some of our recommendations:

3. Get equipped with the right tools

On a day to day basis you may find yourself working with building maintenance, cleaning, vending, health and safety, security and contract management. In order to complete the job, you will need to maximize your efficiency, stay organized, and be proactive. The best way to do this may be through implementing an IWMS – integrated workplace management system. These software platforms help optimize the use of workspace resources including the real estate portfolio, infrastructure and facility assets. Here are a few you might consider:

4. Build meaningful relationships

Workers who enter your facility spend the majority of their day in the office and away from their family. You are responsible for their employee experience: be personable, learn their names and get to know them on an individual basis. The better you understand their difficulties, the better you can create a space that addresses their needs. Actively seek ways to make the environment even more functional and comfortable. You should not be invisible and bureaucratic. Rather, as a facility management professional, you can have a lasting impact on the culture of the organization and business success of the company through your influencing of employees.

5. Continue learning as you go

The most successful facility managers acknowledge that there is always more to be learned: they keep up to date with industry trends and stay current on the tools that can support their function. To really drive change in the company, you might consider executing an innovation project. Maybe it’s integrating more sustainable practices, redesigning the workspace layout or implementing new technology. Whatever it may be, make sure it’s a good fit, champion it internally for funding and then hit the ground running to impress your stakeholders.

There you have it – useful tips on how to become a successful facilities management professional!