These Three Initials

I still have the email I sent to my manager on August 26, 2021 with names of people to be considered for?a debut JLL pilot program focused on facilities management training.

The program was being launched in partnership with IFMA (International Facility Management Association) and each successful trainee upon completion of the coursework would receive their IFMA FMP credentials.?

I remember reaching out to my direct reports and sending a note back with two names. As a second thought I added my own.?At the time, the role I was in didn’t require an FMP certification, but I figured after 15 years with JLL, it was time to gain some formalized facilities training to go with my experiential learning.

Later that Fall, I received word that although the two people that I had nominated were not chosen, I had been selected. The timing was “interesting” because just two weeks earlier I had unexpectedly changed roles. I was no longer the Center of Excellence Director but I had been promoted to the role of Account Director.?My workload doubled overnight and frankly I would never have tossed my hat in the ring for the FMP training pilot if I had known I would have been making such a big career change. ?In true Darlene fashion, I decided to take the risk, go for it and dig into the challenge. As fate would have it, within a few months I was selected to participate in not one but two high intensity JLL training programs on executive management. These multi-month cohort classes were amazing opportunities for my career but when combined with the FMP classwork and my new role, left me a bit overwhelmed.?My first FMP training class was on December 14 and the plan was for all trainees to complete one module each quarter. The target was to finish all 4 modules and take all exams by the end of 2022. Well folks, I didn’t finish and completely missed the goal line!

As someone who prides themselves on a high level of performance, I was disappointed in myself that I didn’t complete the certification program on track with the rest of my pilot team members.?The good news is that with my new role came yet another fantastic JLL manager who fully understood the changes that had happened in the past year. When I discussed my disappointment and feelings of being overwhelmed, he appreciated the fact that I was taking more on and never put added pressure on me.?Instead of being disappointed in what I didn’t get done, he was supportive and encouraging and that allowed me to recalibrate my own expectations and push forward but at a slower pace with less anxiety.?

Two months ago, I, along with other pilot team members pending completion, were brought together for a virtual round table meeting.?The intent was not to scold but to motivate and we were provided with support staff to help push us to completion by the spring. ?Since beginning the program, I had taken and failed numerous pre-tests and chapter quizzes and at times had felt defeated. With the newfound encouragement from the support team along with rebalancing my workload, I was able to find a better rhythm and recommit to the goal. I blocked time during the workday to read and study, worked some longer nights and passed up on warm weather weekends to prepare. As of April 10th I am proud to say that I now have three little letters after my name “F”… “M”… “P”.

The fact is there were times when I wanted to ditch the program because I felt like it was simply too much. Now as I stand on the other side, I have found that it was worth the time and effort, and I have gained so much more than these three initials.

This is a rather long post about what some may see as a small victory. I share it because there are times when we believe we must always be the hero in our life story. Constantly donning our Superman or Wonder Woman cape and tackling every single challenge that comes our way with superhero zest can put us at jeopardy of flaming out. There will always be moments when greatness is expected and demanded but there are also times when we need to assess the big picture and give ourselves the grace to remove or adjust things from an overflowing plate. Congratulations to all the FMP graduates that have completed the pilot program and the four other cohorts that began after that debut team set sail. I'm grateful to work for JLL, a firm that believes in investing in its people and allows us the time, energy and empathy to find the right balance.

#JLL #IFMA #FMP #JLLcommitmenttotraining #supportivemanagers #thanksmattweko #thanksdonboos #thankskimnewhouse #darlenedaviskrahelcommaFMP