Enhance your FM boss relationship by leveraging personal strengths and proactive communication for better facility management.

As the great Hank Hill advised his son, "Bobby, you need to become the "Go-To Guy". Once your boss has developed this level of trust in you, you've got it made. Unless your boss is Jimmy Witchert.

Last updated on Aug 28, 2024

Here's how you can enhance your working relationship with your boss in FM using your strengths.

In Facility Management (FM), building a strong working relationship with your boss is crucial for a successful career. Understanding your strengths and leveraging them can significantly improve this dynamic. Your ability to manage facilities effectively, anticipate needs, and communicate efficiently are all strengths that can foster a better connection with your boss. By recognizing the value you bring to the table, you can create a partnership that benefits not only your professional growth but also the overall health of the facilities you manage. Now, let's explore how you can use these strengths to enhance your relationship with your boss in FM.

1 Know Yourself

Before you can use your strengths to enhance your relationship with your boss in FM, you must have a clear understanding of what those strengths are. Reflect on past successes and areas where you've received positive feedback. Are you particularly adept at problem-solving, or do you excel in preventative maintenance? Maybe your communication skills are top-notch, or you have a knack for budget management. Once you've identified your strengths, consider how they align with your boss's expectations and the goals of your department. By tailoring your approach to your strengths, you'll be able to demonstrate your value more clearly and build a stronger rapport with your boss.

Add your perspective

Yasir Elhadi ,CFM®,CIWFM®

Facilities & Property Management Professional | Hard & Soft FM expert | Operational Excellence | Costumers & Client-Centric
Report contribution
Identify your strengths: What skills do you excel at? Are you particularly good at problem-solving, budgeting, or client relations? Understanding your strengths will help you contribute effectively to the team and showcase your value. Leverage your unique perspective: Your personal experiences and background can offer a fresh perspective on challenges. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and opinions, as they can bring valuable insights to the team.

Like

2 Communicate Well

Effective communication is the bedrock of any good working relationship, especially in FM where clarity and precision are key. Make it a habit to keep your boss informed about the status of facilities, potential issues, and your plans for resolving them. Use your communication skills to present information in a way that is concise, actionable, and aligned with your boss's priorities. Remember, it's not just about relaying facts; it's about articulating them in a manner that demonstrates your competence and foresight. By doing so, you'll establish yourself as a reliable and proactive member of the FM team.

Add your perspective

Yasir Elhadi ,CFM®,CIWFM®

Facilities & Property Management Professional | Hard & Soft FM expert | Operational Excellence | Costumers & Client-Centric
Report contribution
Be clear and concise: When communicating with your boss, ensure your messages are direct and to the point. Avoid ambiguity and unnecessary jargon. Active listening: Pay close attention to what your boss is saying, and ask clarifying questions when needed. This shows that you're engaged and interested in understanding their perspective. Provide regular updates: Keep your boss informed of your progress on projects and any potential issues that may arise. This helps build trust and ensures that everyone is aligned on goals.

Like

3 Show Initiative

Taking initiative is a powerful way to demonstrate your strengths and value to your boss in FM. Don't wait for instructions; instead, identify areas for improvement or innovation within your facilities and propose actionable solutions. This could range from implementing energy-saving measures to improving maintenance protocols. By showing that you're thinking ahead and ready to tackle challenges, you'll not only impress your boss but also contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of your facility's operations.

Add your perspective

Jeff Mackesey

Doing gross things for fun and profit! Ask me how!
Report contribution
As the great Hank Hill advised his son, "Bobby, you need to become the "Go-To Guy". Once your boss has developed this level of trust in you, you've got it made. Unless your boss is Jimmy Witchert.

Like
Yasir Elhadi ,CFM®,CIWFM®

Facilities & Property Management Professional | Hard & Soft FM expert | Operational Excellence | Costumers & Client-Centric
Report contribution
Take ownership of tasks: Don't wait to be assigned work. Volunteer for projects and take initiative to solve problems. This demonstrates your commitment to the team and your ability to work independently. Suggest improvements: If you see opportunities for improvement in processes or procedures, don't hesitate to share your ideas. This shows that you're thinking critically and are invested in the success of the team.

Like

4 Be Adaptable

In FM, adaptability is a strength that can greatly enhance your working relationship with your boss. The nature of managing facilities means that unexpected situations are bound to arise. Show that you can pivot quickly and handle these challenges with composure. Whether it's a last-minute change in regulations or an unforeseen maintenance issue, demonstrate that you can think on your feet and come up with solutions that minimize disruptions. This resilience will earn you trust and respect from your boss.

Add your perspective

Yasir Elhadi ,CFM®,CIWFM®

Facilities & Property Management Professional | Hard & Soft FM expert | Operational Excellence | Costumers & Client-Centric
Report contribution
Embrace change: The FM industry can be dynamic, so it's important to be able to adapt to new challenges and situations. Be open to learning new skills and trying different approaches. Be flexible: Be willing to adjust your plans or priorities as needed. This shows your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Like

5 Offer Solutions

When you encounter problems in FM, don't just present them to your boss—offer solutions. Use your problem-solving skills to think through the issue and suggest practical ways to address it. This proactive approach shows that you're not only aware of the challenges but also invested in the well-being of the facilities. It's about being one step ahead, which reassures your boss that you're a capable and dependable asset to the team.

Add your perspective

6 Learn Continuously

Lastly, commit to continuous learning in FM to strengthen your working relationship with your boss. Stay updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. By bringing new ideas and knowledge to the table, you show initiative and a dedication to excellence. This eagerness to grow not only benefits your career development but also demonstrates to your boss that you're invested in the long-term success of the facilities you manage.

Add your perspective

Here's how you can enhance your working relationship with your boss in FM using your strengths.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know Yourself

2 Communicate Well

3 Show Initiative

4 Be Adaptable

5 Offer Solutions

6 Learn Continuously

Facility Management (FM)

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Facility Management (FM)

More relevant reading

Here's how you can enhance your working relationship with your boss in FM using your strengths.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know Yourself

2 Communicate Well

3 Show Initiative

4 Be Adaptable

5 Offer Solutions

6 Learn Continuously

Facility Management (FM)

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills