Facility Managers

Strong Facility Managers

Whether you are trying to hire one or be one, it takes certain characteristics to be a strong, competent facility manager. Many people who are not happy with their job say that it is either due to those working around them or their manager. Here are some guidelines of what it takes to deal with people effectively and be the strong manager needed to keep good people happy and productive.

Build trust 
There are very few relationships, work, personal or anything in between, that can survive without trust. Trust is the foundation for positive and sustained relationships, that are important if a team wants to perform at a high level. When looking at behavior that helps build trust, communication, consistency and leading by example are all important behaviors. On the contrary, poor communication, lack of integrity and lack of reliability were listed as behaviors that hurt trust within a company. 

Manage by influence
An important distinction to make between power and influence is that power is the authority or right to give orders and make decisions, while influence is the ability to positively affect ideas and actions. Rather than increasing your power, grow your influence by being knowledgeable, respectful, caring and flexible.

 Create a culture of appreciation 
As simple as it sounds, “thank you” goes a long way. Saying thank you costs nothing and gives more than you expect in return. Approximately 76% of say that being recognized by their superiors motivates them in their job. Being more personable with your staff, acknowledging all extra efforts and thanking people for their work every day, creates a more positive culture and happier work environment. 

 Be fair and respectful 
No employee should be treated differently than another. Being impartial, unprejudiced and fair will show everyone that they are all as equally important and will help build trust and morale within the company. Being considerate, caring and patient is also important. When people fear or dislike their superior who is harsh, abrupt, unfair or difficult, they are constantly stressed or tense about their work situation, which also negatively affects their work. 

 Be a role model 

Whether you like it or not, being a boss also makes you a role model by default and being a role model comes with responsibilities. Manage yourself in a positive manner and live by your own values and the values of the company. In return, your employees will respect you and trust that the company is in good hands. 

 Be positive 
Everything you do will reflect back on your staff – your attitude is highly contagious. Positive supervisors will breed positive employees and positive employees tend to do great work for their company. One of the responsibilities of being a boss is to help make everyone else’s jobs easier. Give instructions, feedback and advice in a positive manner will help develop people and their skills so the job is done efficiently and effectively.

 Build the team 
Build a collaborative mindset by encouraging cooperation and helpfulness and always reiterating the teamwork aspect of the workplace. In return, you’ll get employees that not only work well together, but enjoy doing so.

 Link work to a higher purpose 
Don’t just give people jobs, give them a purpose. Be sure to always link your work to your mission statement. This will encourage employees to work for the good of the company instead of working for a paycheck. 

 Original article by By Larry Kokkelenberg   edited for this publication