Facility Managers are Decision Takers, Not Makers: How to Take Control?

I've always advocated for the profession, doing my best to push the boundaries around what a #FacilityManager can do, helping FM's to take strategic roles at their organizations, promoting the hashtag #leave_the_basement . and always hoping that the profession is being positioned among the top professions "as it should be"...

But the reality is sometimes sour!

As a facility manager, you might feel that you are merely a cog in a larger machine. You are responsible for managing buildings, equipment, and personnel, but you often feel like you are not part of the decision-making process. This is a common feeling among facility managers, especially those working in organizations where the core business is not within any of the built environment industries (construction, real estate, property management,...etc.)

But it does not have to be always this way. In this edition of "The Facility Manager", we will explore how facility managers can take steps to become decision-makers and take control of their careers.

The Common Belief

Facility managers often feel like they are told what to do and have no say in anything. They are responsible for keeping the building running, but they are not part of the decision-making process. This is a common belief among facility managers, and it is understandable. After all, facility management is a support function, and the decisions that affect the facility are often made by upper management.

Mature FM Markets vs. Developing Countries

In mature FM markets, facility managers are often part of the decision-making process. They are seen as strategic partners and are involved in the planning and execution of the company's goals. In contrast, in developing countries, including the GCC region, facility managers are often seen as support staff, and their input is not valued as much.

There are several reasons for this. One reason is the lack of awareness of the importance of facility management. Many companies in developing countries do not understand the role that facility management plays in the success of the company. Another reason is the lack of education and training. Many facility managers in developing countries do not have the necessary education and training to be strategic partners.

As governments, developers, and businesses tend to shift from short-term to long-term business strategies, organizations start to pay attention to the importance of facility management as a strategic organization function, this might take time to ripe, but in many organizations, the facility management function is becoming understood and valued in the way that it should be.

How To Take Control?

The reality is that facility managers are not powerless. They can take steps to become decision-makers and be part of the decision-making process.

As usual, I tend to focus on what we (as facility management professionals) can do to change this, leaving aside authorities, NGO,s or any other stakeholders in the FM or built environment business (maybe for another discussion).

Few of the steps you can do to take control as an FM are;

? Understand the Business You Support

Facility managers should understand the business they are supporting. Facility managers should seek to understand the company's strategic goals, objectives, and plans. They should know the budget and the financial targets. This understanding will help facility managers to align their goals with the company's goals.

? Communicate

Communicating with upper management and FM organization stakeholders is crucial for appreciating FM organization.

Facility managers should make an effort to communicate regularly with upper management. They should share their goals and objectives and how they align with the company's goals. They should also share their challenges and seek guidance.

As most facility managers are positioned physically closer to the operations and their FM staff, I always advise FMs to leave the basement (or their FM office) and pay a visit to their corporate headquarters, make relations, meet the procurement/finance/and core business management.

? Advocate

Facility Management is often seen as a cost center, and FM's are seen as support staff, this is due to lack of awareness of the importance of facility management and a shortage of education and training, Therefore, it is crucial for facility managers to advocate for their profession and raise awareness of the value they can bring to an organization.

One way to achieve this is to participate in industry events, join professional associations, and engage in networking opportunities. These platforms provide a chance to share knowledge, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded professionals.

? Stay Up To Date

Moreover, it is essential for facility managers to stay updated on the latest technologies and trends in the industry. Advancements in technology can help facility managers optimize building performance and reduce costs, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. By staying current with industry trends, facility managers can stay ahead of the curve and bring innovative solutions to the table.

? Showcase Your Value

Another way for facility managers to become decision-makers is to showcase their value to upper management. This can be done by measuring and reporting on key performance indicators that directly impact the company's bottom line. These performance indicators can include energy usage, maintenance costs, and occupancy rates. They should show how their actions have contributed to the company's goals and objectives.

Conclusion:

Facility managers are not powerless. They can take steps to become decision-makers and start being invited to the decision-making table.

This can be achieved by seeking to understand the business they support, communicating with upper management, being proactive, measuring and reporting their performance, participating in industry events, staying updated on the latest technologies and trends, and collaborating with other departments, facility managers can become strategic partners within their organization.

By doing so, they can bring value to their organization and advance their careers as leaders in the facility management profession.

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