Last updated on Jul 3, 2024

Here's how you can sharpen your decision-making skills as a Facility Manager.

In the fast-paced world of Facility Management (FM), the ability to make sound decisions swiftly is paramount. As a facility manager, you're tasked with ensuring that the buildings and services under your care operate efficiently. This requires a keen understanding of both the physical infrastructure and the needs of the people using it. To sharpen your decision-making skills, it's essential to develop a structured approach to problem-solving, stay informed about industry trends, and continuously refine your ability to analyze data and anticipate outcomes.

1 Gather Data

The foundation of any good decision is reliable data. As a facility manager, you should cultivate a habit of collecting and analyzing data from your operations. This includes maintenance records, user feedback, and financial reports. Understanding the patterns and trends within this data can guide you to make informed decisions that improve efficiency and reduce costs. Remember, data-driven decisions are more likely to stand up to scrutiny and yield positive results.

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Farhan Juratli

Associate Director, Judicial Expert at Ministry of Justice UAE.- BSc, MSc (Hons) Eng. Mech. CEM, LEED AP O&M. 𝗠𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆 those of 𝗺𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿.
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Sharpening your decision-making skills as a Facility Manager requires a blend of strategic thinking and continuous learning. Start by gathering comprehensive data and analyzing it meticulously to inform your choices. Prioritize decisions that align with long-term goals and sustainability. Learn from past decisions, both successes and failures, to refine your judgment. Seek diverse perspectives from your team to ensure well-rounded insights. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices, integrating new knowledge into your decision-making process. Finally, practice patience and discipline, making calculated moves rather than impulsive ones. This approach will enhance your ability to make sound, impactful decisions.

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S M SHAMSUL FARHAN,PMP, CLSSBB

Operation Head | Business Head | Manufacturing Plant | B.Sc (EEE) | M.Sc. (BUET) | MBA (DU) | PMP-PMI | CLSSBB | CSCM™ | PGDMBM | PGDHRM |
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Improving decision-making skills as a Facility Manager involves a combination of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and effective communication. Facility Managers should stay informed by regularly reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations. Implement systems for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as energy usage, maintenance costs, and employee satisfaction. Practice structured problem-solving techniques like root cause analysis or the five whys method. Ensure transparent communication with your team, stakeholders, and other departments.

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Liberty Shumba

Facilities Manager at Old Mutual Investment Group-Property Botique(BSc-PDEM NUST)
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In order to make effective decisions, it is important to follow a structured approach. This begins with recognizing that a decision needs to be made in the first place. Once you have identified a decision to be made, the next phase is gathering relevant information. This may involve market research, data analysis, expert consultation, or simply introspective thinking. After compiling pertinent information, the next step is to evaluate the options, weighing up the pros and cons of each. Creating a table or decision matrix can help compare options against critical criteria in a structured way. The goal is to critically assess each option and anticipate potential outcomes before selecting the best path forward.

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2 Know Goals

It's crucial to have a clear understanding of your organization's goals and how they align with your FM responsibilities. Whether it's reducing energy consumption, improving building safety, or enhancing user satisfaction, your decisions should contribute to these objectives. By keeping the end goals in mind, you can prioritize tasks and allocate resources more effectively, thus ensuring that your decisions have a positive impact on the organization's overall strategy.

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Sabri Sbaih

Manager - Facilities | Project Management. CFM, FMP, CPPM, CISCM, BB 6 Sigma, BB Lean 6 Sigma.
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The organization’s goals can shift based on market conditions, such as prioritizing cost reduction during periods of low financial income. Facilities Managers should stay informed about these goals to align their strategies accordingly. During financial difficulties, FM Managers might need to reassess all provided services to better align with the new circumstances, such as evaluating in-house versus outsourced services.

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3 Assess Risks

Risk assessment is a critical skill for facility managers. Each decision carries potential risks and benefits, and it's your job to weigh them against each other. You should consider the likelihood of various outcomes and their potential impact on your facility. This involves not only identifying potential hazards but also developing contingency plans. Effective risk management can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.

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4 Consult Team

No facility manager operates in a vacuum. Your team can be an invaluable resource when it comes to decision-making. Engage with your staff, listen to their insights, and value their expertise. They can provide on-the-ground perspectives that might not be apparent from a higher-level view. Collaborative decision-making not only leads to better outcomes but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among your team members.

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5 Reflect Often

Reflection is an often overlooked but vital component of decision-making. After implementing a decision, take time to reflect on its outcomes. What worked well? What didn't? What could be improved next time? This reflective practice allows you to learn from experience and refine your decision-making process. Continuous learning is essential in FM, where the only constant is change.

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6 Stay Updated

The world of FM is constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and best practices. To make informed decisions, you must stay updated on these changes. Attend industry conferences, participate in professional forums, and read relevant publications. Staying informed not only helps you make better decisions but also positions you as a knowledgeable leader in your field.

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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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Here's how you can sharpen your decision-making skills as a Facility Manager.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Gather Data

2 Know Goals

3 Assess Risks

4 Consult Team

5 Reflect Often

6 Stay Updated

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

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Here's how you can sharpen your decision-making skills as a Facility Manager.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Gather Data

2 Know Goals

3 Assess Risks

4 Consult Team

5 Reflect Often

6 Stay Updated

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

Rate this article

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