R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Aretha Franklin knew what it meant to her, and as a facilities manager I know exactly what respect means in our industry too.
Like the Queen of Soul commanding her recognition of her innate and beautiful talent, in an industry that wasn’t built for powerful women, I too have had to spell out my own version of R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I have learned that respect in facilities management isn’t necessarily about being liked or accepted, it’s about creating undeniable value and uncompromising professional integrity.
While Aretha Franklin commanded her respect with her stage presence, vocals and natural talents, I found my voice in my career in facilities management through lean six sigma methodologies, data driven decision making, empathetic team development skills and a quiet confidence building a foundation of preparing for every interaction and harnessing my attention to detail. I research my vendors and contractors and the services they provide, and build questions based on my research to establish a small connection first and early.
For example, I remember having a structural issue with a slab and having to explain the importance of repairing it before we updated the conference room it resided in. I created technical drawings, created a list of risks of delaying the work and presented with ease and data. I strategically used data and technical aspects to explain why we needed to do the repair sooner rather than later. My advice is always to use leverage over force to build your position with a strong foundation instead of a confrontational approach.
Credibility is a tool to have in our facilities tool case that eventually leads to levels of respect in so many ways. One of my strongest credibility tools that I have built – and continue to use - is learning, training and application. My passion for the Lean Six Sigma methodologies and the “respect for people” principle is etched in my day-to-day operations and strategic thinking. As a lean thinker, respect equally applies to demanding respect for yourself. I have learned to redirect dismissive behavior professionally and even anticipate when it’s happening or about to! I will say “Let’s focus on the process improvements I have put together and prepared for you for clarity and perspective and I am happy to answer any and all of your questions, how does that sound to you?” I also will respond with specific data demonstrating my expertise in a way that vendors understand that I am aware and competent in those areas, yet willing to learn more. This establishes a path of respect and fairness upfront.
I experienced building strategic alliances increases how you earn and give respect. Usually at the beginning of a business partnership there is skepticism but as time, experience, and solving problems together these relationships begin to morph into a mutual professional respect that creates a supportive network.
For women working and building their careers in the fascinating and multi-faceted world of facilities management, I want you to remember that respect is ultimately about creating value that cannot be ignored! Master your technical skills, embrace your data-driven methodologies, trust your instincts and harness them in the direction of curiosity and inquisitiveness.
Like Aretha, define it for you. Define what respect means to you, first, as you navigate the facilities industry and then demand it through your innate excellence. The evolution of earning respect to demanding respect requires the recognition that the dynamic has shifted in our favor. As the years lead to consistent performance and execution, I now enter meetings expecting my recommendations to be heard and valued.
The respect I earned has been years in the making and it’s rooted strongly in delivering excellence, willingness to learn and listen, taking constructive feedback as a sign to check in and at times as a warning for yourself to reel yourself in. It’s not about arrogance, but a professional confidence that is built over years backed by a cumulative track record of measurable improvements.
In closing, respect is not free–especially in our industry. It’s most definitely earned through a consistency in competence, mindset and continuous improvement and a willingness to humble yourself to more learning and growth. The foundation is now your grounded path for not only advancing your career but creating pathways for other women to follow.
Aretha knew that respect was non-negotiable and in facilities management, after all of the accomplishments and more to go, we can continue the respect legacy by mastering our technical knowledge, process excellence and the confidence to demand what we have earned and support, mentor and encourage other women to follow and ultimately lead.
Maria Ruiz is a Facilities Operations Manager at UNICEF USA with 15+ years of cross-sector expertise. Overseeing multiple national offices, she applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies to create sustainable, efficient workspaces supporting humanitarian missions. Her writing champions women in facilities management by blending technical knowledge with practical insights that empower professionals in this traditionally male-dominated field. Committed to work-life balance, Maria recharges by training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with her son—finding that the discipline and focus required on the mat enhances her leadership approach in facilities management.
