How do you resolve FM budget disputes?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to resolve any FM budget dispute is to identify the root cause of the conflict. Is it a communication issue, a contractual issue, a performance issue, or a relationship issue? By understanding the source of the dispute, you can tailor your approach and strategy accordingly. For example, if the dispute is due to a communication issue, you may need to clarify the terms, scope, and deliverables of your FM services. If the dispute is due to a contractual issue, you may need to review the contract and its clauses carefully.

2 Listen and empathize

The second step to resolve any FM budget dispute is to listen and empathize with the other party. Listening is not just hearing what they say, but also understanding their perspective, needs, and interests. Empathizing is not just agreeing with them, but also acknowledging their feelings, concerns, and frustrations. By listening and empathizing, you can build rapport, trust, and respect with the other party, and avoid escalating the conflict or damaging the relationship.

4 Document and communicate

The fourth step to resolve any FM budget dispute is to document and communicate the resolution or agreement with the other party. Documenting is not just writing or signing, but also verifying, confirming, and validating the details, terms, and conditions of the resolution or agreement. Communicating is not just informing or notifying, but also explaining, clarifying, and confirming the resolution or agreement with the other party. By documenting and communicating, you can ensure that both parties are on the same page, and avoid any misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or disputes in the future.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step to resolve any FM budget dispute is to learn and improve from the experience. Learning is not just reflecting or analyzing, but also identifying the lessons, insights, and feedback that can help you improve your FM skills, knowledge, and practices. Improving is not just correcting or adjusting, but also implementing, applying, and evaluating the changes, improvements, and enhancements that can help you prevent or reduce FM budget disputes in the future. By learning and improving, you can grow as a facility manager, and deliver better FM services to your clients, stakeholders, and contractors.

6 Seek professional help

The sixth step to resolve any FM budget dispute is to seek professional help if the dispute is too complex, too costly, or too contentious to resolve by yourself. Professional help can come from various sources, such as mediators, arbitrators, lawyers, or consultants, who can provide impartial, expert, and legal advice, guidance, and assistance to help you resolve the dispute. By seeking professional help, you can save time, money, and energy, and avoid further complications, risks, or liabilities that may arise from the dispute.

7 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?