Here’s a perspective on an expanded set of FM competencies that go beyond traditional building maintenance to a more strategic, people-focused, and collaborative approach.
Strong, accountable leadership and process improvement are foundational to achieving “best value outcomes”. The focus upon relationships and the adoption of collaborative, integrated practices and a focus on long-term asset life-cycle management require multiple competencies.
- Best management practices: Owners and operators should focus on implementing better processes and accountability rather than just new technology.
- Leadership and strategy: FM is a leadership function. Competent leadership is required to steer the industry toward sustainable asset life-cycle strategies and practices that are aligned with organizational goals.
- Collaboration and relationships: A people-first strategy involves collaborative relationships among all participants and stakeholders—owners, architects, engineers, and service/materials providers.
- Data and cost visibility: Facility owners often lack the capability to provide cost visibility and transparency. Competent facility managers need to have a strong understanding of life-cycle costs and use reliable data, including locally researched cost data, for estimating and decision support.
- Lean and integrated processes: Lean, collaborative practices and integrated project delivery methods to maximize the capabilities of people, processes, information, and technology. This is essential for achieving efficient life-cycle management of facilities.
- Beyond fixing things: The modern FM professional must be adept at using technology, and gathering, leveraging and maintaining current actionable data to support informed decision-making.
Foundational competencies
- Communication: FMs must effectively communicate with all stakeholders, from occupants to executives.
- Leadership and strategy: Aligning facility strategy with the organization’s mission and guiding staff and providers.
- Technology integration: Using technology to streamline operations and manage assets.
- People-centric focus: A core purpose of FM is providing a productive and safe environment for people, not just maintaining buildings.
Knowledge-based competencies
- Asset management: Strategic planning, capital planning, and project management for a building’s assets.
- Operations and maintenance (O&M): Managing daily maintenance, occupant services, and utilities.
- Risk management: Developing strategies for emergency preparedness, safety, and security.
- Business management: Handling human capital, finance, procurement, and contract management.
Cross-functional competencies
- Managerial: Planning, organizing, and directing work.
- Cognitive: Identifying patterns and making logical connections based on data.
- Interpersonal: Using emotional intelligence to perform professionally.
