What FM skills are essential for managing Corporate Real Estate facility operations?

1 Strategic thinking

One of the key FM skills for managing CRE facility operations is strategic thinking, which involves the ability to align the facility goals and plans with the organizational vision and mission. Strategic thinking enables FM professionals to identify and prioritize the current and future needs of the business, the employees, and the customers, and to develop and implement solutions that add value and reduce costs. Strategic thinking also helps FM professionals to anticipate and respond to changes in the market, the technology, and the regulations that affect the CRE portfolio.

2 Communication and collaboration

Another essential FM skill for managing CRE facility operations is communication and collaboration, which involves the ability to convey and receive information effectively and to work with others to achieve common objectives. Communication and collaboration enable FM professionals to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as senior management, business units, service providers, contractors, regulators, and community groups. Communication and collaboration also help FM professionals to establish and communicate the facility standards and policies, to negotiate and manage contracts and agreements, and to resolve conflicts and issues.

3 Technical and analytical

A third vital FM skill for managing CRE facility operations is technical and analytical, which involves the ability to apply and use relevant knowledge and tools to perform and improve the facility functions and processes. Technical and analytical skills enable FM professionals to understand and operate the facility systems and equipment, such as HVAC, lighting, security, fire safety, and energy management. Technical and analytical skills also help FM professionals to collect and analyze data and metrics, such as occupancy, utilization, satisfaction, and performance, and to use them to optimize the facility operations and outcomes.

4 Leadership and innovation

A fourth crucial FM skill for managing CRE facility operations is leadership and innovation, which involves the ability to inspire and motivate others and to generate and implement new ideas and approaches. Leadership and innovation enable FM professionals to create and foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in the facility operations and services. Leadership and innovation also help FM professionals to empower and develop their staff and teams, to leverage and integrate new technologies and best practices, and to drive change and transformation in the facility environment.

5 Sustainability and resilience

A fifth important FM skill for managing CRE facility operations is sustainability and resilience, which involves the ability to balance the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the facility activities and to cope with and recover from disruptions and crises. Sustainability and resilience enable FM professionals to implement and monitor the facility sustainability programs and initiatives, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, carbon footprint, and green certification. Sustainability and resilience also help FM professionals to prepare and execute the facility risk management and business continuity plans, such as emergency response, disaster recovery, and pandemic preparedness.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?