What do you do if your team members don't understand the reasons behind delegation?

1 Explain FM

Delegation within Facility Management (FM) is crucial for handling the vast array of responsibilities, from maintenance to safety compliance. It's important to explain that FM tasks are often complex and multifaceted, requiring a team with diverse skills to manage effectively. Delegation allows you to match tasks with team members' specific skills, which not only ensures that tasks are completed efficiently but also helps in developing those skills further. Clarifying this can help team members understand that delegation is not just offloading work but is a strategic move towards a more skilled and capable team.

2 Share Objectives

To foster understanding, start by sharing the overarching objectives of your FM projects. When team members see how their individual tasks contribute to the larger goals, they'll appreciate the significance of their roles. Explain how delegation is aligned with achieving these objectives, emphasizing that it's not about relinquishing responsibility but about optimizing the use of resources and talents. This perspective can shift their view from seeing delegation as a burden to recognizing it as an opportunity for professional growth and contribution to the team's success.

3 Role Clarity

Ensuring that each team member understands their role is fundamental in FM. When delegating, clearly define the expected outcomes and the scope of authority that comes with each task. This clarity will help team members see delegation as a sign of trust in their capabilities. It's also an opportunity to highlight the importance of each role in maintaining the functionality and safety of the facilities you manage. When individuals understand their impact, they are more likely to embrace the responsibilities that come with delegation.

4 Training Sessions

Training sessions are an excellent way to demystify the process of delegation within FM. By providing practical examples and role-play scenarios, you can demonstrate how delegation can enhance workflow and personal accountability. These sessions can also serve as a platform for team members to express concerns and ask questions, allowing for a more thorough understanding of the delegation process. As a result, they can approach their tasks with confidence and a clear sense of purpose.

5 Feedback Loops

Establishing feedback loops is a critical component of delegation in FM. Encourage open communication by setting up regular check-ins and providing a safe space for team members to share their experiences with delegated tasks. This not only helps in fine-tuning the delegation process but also reinforces the idea that delegation is a two-way street, involving continuous learning and adjustment. When team members feel heard and see their feedback leading to positive changes, they are more likely to value and understand the reasons behind delegation.

6 Empowerment Culture

Finally, fostering an empowerment culture within your FM team can transform their perception of delegation. When team members feel empowered, they recognize delegation as an opportunity for leadership and personal growth. Celebrate their successes and provide support when challenges arise. This approach will help them see that delegation is not just about task completion but about entrusting them with the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

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?