Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

What do you do if your diverse FM team is struggling to collaborate effectively?

Facility Management (FM) is a multifaceted discipline that ensures the functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of a built environment — such as schools, offices, and hospitals — by integrating people, place, process, and technology. When you manage a diverse FM team, collaboration is essential for success. However, it's not uncommon for such teams to face challenges in working together effectively. If your team is struggling with collaboration, it's crucial to identify the issues and implement strategies to foster better teamwork and communication.

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1 Identify Issues

To address collaboration challenges within your FM team, start by identifying the root causes. Hold open discussions where team members can express their concerns without fear of retribution. Listen actively to understand different perspectives, especially considering the diversity of your team which may include varying cultural backgrounds, work styles, and communication preferences. Once you have a clear picture of the obstacles, you can begin to work on targeted solutions.

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2 Set Objectives

Clear objectives are vital for successful collaboration. Define shared goals that resonate with all team members, ensuring that these objectives are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This clarity will help your diverse FM team focus on common targets and understand how their individual roles contribute to the bigger picture, which can greatly improve collaborative efforts.

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3 Improve Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any collaborative effort. Encourage your FM team to engage in regular, structured communication practices such as daily huddles or weekly meetings. Utilize tools that facilitate easy exchange of information and ensure that language barriers are addressed. It's important that every team member feels heard and understood, which can lead to more cohesive teamwork.

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4 Foster Inclusion

In a diverse FM team, fostering an inclusive environment is essential for collaboration. Create opportunities for team members to learn about each other's backgrounds and strengths. This can be achieved through team-building activities or informal social events. When team members feel valued and included, they are more likely to contribute effectively and collaborate with their colleagues.

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5 Empower Team

Empowerment can significantly enhance collaboration within your FM team. Provide team members with the autonomy to make decisions related to their work. This not only boosts morale but also encourages a sense of ownership and accountability. Offer training and development opportunities so that each member has the skills needed to contribute effectively to the team's objectives.

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6 Utilize Technology

Technology can be a powerful enabler for collaboration in FM. Leverage project management software, communication platforms, and other digital tools to streamline workflows and keep everyone on the same page. It's important to choose technology that complements the diverse nature of your team and is user-friendly for all members, regardless of their tech-savviness.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your diverse FM team is struggling to collaborate effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Identify Issues

2 Set Objectives

3 Improve Communication

4 Foster Inclusion

5 Empower Team

6 Utilize Technology

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

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What do you do if your diverse FM team is struggling to collaborate effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Set Objectives

3 Improve Communication

4 Foster Inclusion

5 Empower Team

6 Utilize Technology

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

Rate this article

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