Unlock Your Potential: Why "Sideways" Moves and Lifelong Learning Are Key to FM Success

As a facility manager, you're used to juggling priorities and ensuring a building functions seamlessly. But is the traditional upward climb always the best path for your own career growth? Emerging thinking says "no" – strategic lateral moves and a continuous learning mindset might be your secret weapon for success in the evolving world of facilities management.

The Benefits of "Branching Out"

Lateral moves – changing roles within your department or collaborating with others – offer surprising advantages:

Deeper Facility Understanding:* Spending time embedded with security, finance, or space-planning teams unlocks their language and challenges, making you a better FM.

Diverse Problem-Solving Toolkit:* Learning new skills through lateral projects makes you more versatile, able to tackle unforeseen issues that cross traditional boundaries.

Build Your Network, Build Your Value:* Cross-team collaborations expand your network and showcase your skills to a wider internal audience.

Beat the Burnout:* Repetitive routines can lead to stagnation. A temporary project lead or mentorship role revitalizes your work.

Lifelong Learning for the Long Haul

Success in facilities management demands staying ahead of industry trends and technologies. Here's how to cultivate a continuous learning mindset:

Believe You Can Grow:* Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. Your abilities aren't fixed; with effort, you can master new technologies and management approaches.

Master Multiple Domains:* Aim for expertise in several areas (contracts, sustainability, space planning) – this 'M-shape' profile makes you an indispensable asset.

Stretch, Don't Break:* Challenge yourself with new projects, but be realistic about workload to avoid overwhelming yourself.

Take Ownership:* Set personal development goals. Invest time and resources in certifications, attend industry events, or find mentors. Your growth is your responsibility.

FM-Specific Growth Opportunities

Look for these lateral and learning opportunities:

Cross-Department Shadowing:* Spend focused time with teams whose work impacts your own. Get their perspective, learn their terminology.

Project Lead:* Volunteer to spearhead a sustainability initiative, workplace-redesign taskforce, or technology upgrade implementation.

Harness Your Ikigai:* Consider what you love about FM, what aligns with your values, where you excel, and what the industry needs to solve. This intersection is powerful.

Prioritize Wellness:* FM work is demanding. Sufficient sleep, mental breaks, and healthy habits fuel the energy needed to constantly learn and evolve.

Managers, Create a Growth Culture!

Facility management leaders play a vital role in supporting this mindset:

Structured Knowledge-Swaps:* Facilitate rotations where FMs experience different aspects of facility operations.

Skills Passports:* Document the range of competencies gained through lateral experiences, celebrating progress and highlighting growth potential.

Support Professional Development:* Provide time and funding for training, certifications, and industry conferences.

Reframing FM Success

Let's change how we celebrate facility managers! Highlight those who excel at contract negotiation alongside those leading innovative sustainability projects. Facility management needs flexible generalists – those who branch out and embrace continuous learning