Stepping into your first management role in facilities management is a milestone that brings both excitement and a fair share of nerves to the table. Suddenly, you’re not just responsible for your own performance; you’re entrusted with guiding a team, setting priorities and making decisions that impact the entire operation. It’s the equivalent of being removed from the driver's seat to being the team principal, in a sense. Your role shifts from focusing on your individual contribution to orchestrating the strengths and efforts of everyone around you. It’s a huge leap, and how you approach it will shape your team’s performance and your own growth as a leader.
The foundation of effective management is strong relationships. Take the time to truly get to know your team members; their strengths, weaknesses and what motivates them. Please understand that this doesn’t happen overnight. Spend time walking the floors, observing their work and engaging in genuine conversation. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings where you listen more than you talk. Ask about their challenges, their career goals and how you can support their development. When your team feels seen and heard, trust and respect naturally follow, setting the stage for open communication and collaboration.
Clarity is another cornerstone of successful leadership. Don’t leave expectations up to chance, letting things work themselves out. Clearly define each role, the responsibilities, standards for performance, and put these expectations in writing and review them regularly with your team. This not only ensures everyone is on the same page but also provides a reference point when questions or conflicts arise. While consistency in enforcing rules is important, it’s equally vital to remain flexible and adapt when circumstances change. And they certainly will change! Facilities management is full of surprises, and your ability to adjust while maintaining fairness will earn your team’s respect.
Communication is the glue that holds your team together. Make it a habit to share updates, celebrate achievements, and address issues as soon as they arise. When problems occur, focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. This approach to team adhesiveness fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Encourage your team to share feedback, and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t have all the answers. Vulnerability and honesty build credibility and invite others to contribute their ideas and expertise.
Delegation is a skill that every FM must master. Trust your team to handle tasks and projects, but make sure they have the resources and support they need to succeed. There’s always temptation to micromanage, but it is not sustainable, as it stifles your team’s growth and creativity and you’ll start losing people because of it. By empowering your team members and giving them ownership over their work, you help them build confidence and develop new skills they never thought of having. This, in turn, frees up your time to focus on higher-level responsibilities and strategic planning to move the needle forward.
Management is a skill that improves with practice, reflection, and continuous learning. So, you have to get your reps in, everyday! Seek out mentors, take advantage of training opportunities and professional networks, and stay curious & humble, always looking for ways to improve yourself for the sake of the team. Your success as an FM is measured not by your individual achievements, but by the growth and accomplishments of your team. By building strong relationships, setting clear expectations, communicating openly, delegating wisely, and committing to your own growth, you lay the groundwork for a thriving operation and a rewarding leadership journey.
Charles M. Thomas is an operations professional, consultant and writer who has held positions with reputable organizations as a facilities and operations manager, operations manager and technical writer.
