Here's how you can assert yourself as a Facility Manager in the workplace.

With the client’s faith in you, they will treat you as a business partner whereas the 2 companies will work side by side to build the future. As I currently work in the QHSE within the FM business, I always find the following points as key aspects to earn that trust: 1- Communication, Communication, Communication: the client always like to be involved. They feel secure when they have visibility on the operations. 2- Transparency and honesty: There’s no shame in showing something is not right. The client will trust you when they feel you’re honest. 3- Data Analysis: Simply, Data and numbers don’t lie :) Always work into getting your operations generate better outputs instead of trying to make the numbers look better.

Asserting yourself as a Facility Manager involves a combination of effective communication, leadership, and strategic thinking. Make sure that your instructions and expectations are clear and update them on any changes or new policies. Stay informed about the latest trends and as this will help you make informed decisions and stay ahead of potential issues. Also be proactive in identifying and solving problems. This shows that you are capable and reliable and learn to delegate and trust your team with responsibilities. Also provide constructive feedback and be open to receiving it, this shows that you value your team’s input too. Make your presence known in the workplace. Attend meetings, participate in discussions, and be approachable.

Building trust is very crucial in asserting yourself as a facility manager. You need to be sincere and focussed on the task at hand. Not only do you need to exhibit your competence, but also your sincerity and reliability. The stakeholders should be convinced that you will deliver. Be transparent in your dealings and have a channel of open communication. Be receptive to new ideas and implement them where feasible. People should have confidence in your abilities.

Gain deep knowledge of facility operations, maintenance, safety protocols, and compliance regulations. Being the go-to expert builds credibility.Anticipate challenges and develop solutions before they become issues. This shows foresight and leadership.Cultivate strong relationships with vendors, contractors, and internal teams. This ensures smooth operations and fosters collaboration.Regularly update stakeholders on facility status, upcoming projects, and any potential issues. Transparent communication fosters trust.Anticipate challenges and develop solutions before they become issues. This shows foresight and leadership.

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Regularly update and inform your team and stakeholders about facility-related matters to ensure transparency and trust. 2. Set and Enforce Standards: Define and maintain high standards for safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency, holding everyone accountable to these expectations. 3. Proactively Address Issues: Take initiative in identifying and resolving facility-related problems before they escalate, demonstrating your leadership and commitment to maintaining a productive environment.

To assert yourself in facility management, showcase your expertise with confidence! Stay updated on the latest industry standards, trends, and technologies. Share your knowledge with colleagues—not to boast, but to educate and enhance the workplace. When faced with decisions or problems, present well-researched solutions and clearly explain your reasoning. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also establishes you as the go-to expert in your field. Elevate your role by being a source of reliable, up-to-date information. Expertise shared is expertise trusted! ??????

I would use the term competency rather than expertise. There may have been a time expertise could have been synonymous with competency but it has long been misused. I would also suggest competency and trust are interdependent. I am not sure separating the two is the right approach.

Our expertise shines through collaboration with other departments, showcasing the impact of HVAC and BAS management on their operations. We work closely with the BAS team to integrate cutting-edge building technologies that boost efficiency and sustainability. Partnering with HR, we develop hands-on training that emphasizes the importance of optimal indoor environments for employee well-being. By extending our knowledge beyond traditional boundaries and contributing to broader business objectives, we position ourselves as adaptable professionals. Leading or participating in interdisciplinary projects further establishes us as essential contributors to the organization's success.

- Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements. This knowledge positions you as a go-to resource. - Share Knowledge: Offer training sessions or workshops to share your expertise with your team. This not only enhances their skills but also reinforces your role as a leader.

Of course you have expertise and you must demonstrate it for the health of the organisation. Unfortunately, the perception may be that we need to know everything, on the contrary, it is not possible to know everything, but it is best to have a strong collaboration in your team by ensuring that all valuable teammates in your team have their own expertise. Yes you can teach ? But you can also learn ! There can be great values within the organisation, everyone has different experiences in their own field, the important thing is to listen to them and show that we can learn from them too.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has a saying. ‘We will always tell each other the truth. Whether it brings disaster or happiness, good or bad, we will always stick to the truth.’ Be clear, be understandable, bu honest. Show the clear targets, tell what the organisation needs, keep yourself focusing to the way.

Clear communication is the cornerstone of effective facility management! Whether engaging with vendors, guiding your team, or presenting to management, clarity ensures your message hits home. Tailor your communication style to your audience: be technical with your team and strategic with executives. Always aim to be concise and focused, articulating the benefits of any FM-related decisions or actions you’re advocating for. This approach not only enhances understanding but also positions you as a confident, competent leader. Mastering communication is key to asserting yourself and driving success in facility management. ??????

One thing I have found helpful is Clearly communicate your expectations, goals, and needs to your team , stakeholders, and upper management. So all the team members will collaborate together to achieve the goals and meet the expectations they have for each other.

A well-known leader once said, "We must always speak the truth to one another. Regardless of whether it leads to success or failure, joy or sorrow, we must remain committed to the truth." Be straightforward, be comprehensible, and be truthful. Define clear objectives, communicate what the organization requires, and stay focused on the course ahead.

Effective system integration and management require clear communication with the BAS team. When discussing system upgrades or troubleshooting, it's crucial to provide detailed, technical explanations. Using clear, precise language to describe expected outcomes, timelines, and potential challenges ensures alignment and minimizes the risk of miscommunication. This approach allows the team to execute tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

It's important to create a culture that encourages proactive issue identification and resolution, rather than waiting for problems to arise and then reacting to them. By conducting regular walk-down of the facility, engaging your team in this process, and taking the lead on implementing solutions, you can help optimize operations and enhance the overall experience for occupants. This can also help to build trust and improve communication between your team and the occupants of the facility

Proactive leadership involves creating an environment that encourages innovation in HVAC and BAS. It's important to regularly ask for feedback from your team on improving processes and adopting new technologies. Be open to experimenting with advanced solutions such as AI-driven energy management and smart sensors. By leading with an open mind and encouraging creative problem-solving, we improve system performance and inspire our team to take ownership and contribute to the facility’s success.

Proactive leadership is the key to asserting yourself in facility management! Anticipate potential issues and address them before they escalate. Implement systems and processes that enhance efficiency and reduce downtime. By taking charge of projects and leading by example, you demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of the facility and its users. Encourage feedback and be open to new ideas, showing that you’re not just managing facilities but also leading people. This approach not only prevents problems but also fosters a culture of innovation and responsiveness. Be the leader who doesn’t just react, but anticipates and drives continuous improvement! ??????

Lead Proactively; Not Reactively 1) Think like a detective. Assess the situation, step up and resolve the issue properly. 2) Always do your best to best supplies with every tool, material, software, blue print, etc. In order to be proactive, you must have the required stuff. There is no more upsetting time than when you do not have the material and you should. Meaning, maybe earlier you decided it was too much to have and, eh, I got this. We’ve all been there and probably will again. Obviously, we should practice what we preach.

Fostering a culture that emphasizes proactive problem-solving is crucial for maintaining efficient operations. Instead of merely responding to issues as they occur, encourage your team to anticipate potential challenges and address them before they escalate. Regularly inspecting the facility, involving your team in identifying areas for improvement, and taking initiative in implementing necessary changes can significantly enhance the quality of service provided. This approach not only optimizes daily operations but also strengthens the relationship and communication between your team and the facility’s occupants, building a foundation of trust and collaboration.

One thing I have found helpful is networking, meeting with different people working in the same domain & maybe it's at lower level or a higher, there is always something to learn and adapt. Use this connection for personal and professional gain. Share your part & knowledge with those enthusiastic people around you.

Consider sharing your HVAC and BAS experiences by contributing to online forums, industry publications, or social media platforms like LinkedIn. Discuss the challenges you have encountered, the solutions you have implemented, and the lessons you have learned. Engaging in these conversations demonstrates your expertise and positions you as an approachable and resourceful leader in the FM community. This increased visibility can lead to new opportunities and strengthen your professional reputation.

- Build Connections: Cultivate relationships within and outside your organization. Networking can provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for collaboration. - Engage in Professional Organizations: Join industry associations or attend conferences to expand your network and stay informed about best practices.

Networking within your organization and the wider FM community is crucial for boosting assertiveness. Connecting with peers, joining professional associations, and attending industry events offers valuable insights, advice, and support. Engaging in discussions and sharing your experiences helps build your reputation as a knowledgeable and approachable Facility Manager. These interactions not only enhance your expertise but also establish you as a respected leader in the field.

Seek out those things that will contribute to building competency and a diverse skill set. “Networking “ is a term that has meant more “to meeting the right people, get them to like you, use those connections for personal gain “ rather than related to competence or merit. Too often networking is given far more effort than building wisdom and understanding (i.e., competency).

This is key area where FM meet ultimate resistance for the long serving technical people. This is must to take yourself and your team to embark on new technologies and skillsets.

Embracing change is essential for a Facility Manager seeking to assert themselves. The FM industry evolves with new technologies and practices, so showing enthusiasm for innovation and adapting your strategies is key. By championing change, you keep your facilities current and demonstrate forward-thinking and adaptability—qualities that earn respect and position you as a leader in your field.