Learn strategies for setting goals while managing the ongoing demands of facilities management.
By Justine Savage
Amid a never-ending list of daily demands and shifting priorities in facilities management, it can be challenging for facilities managers and suppliers to prioritize setting goals to advance their own careers.
“You’re so involved in the day-to-day activity of putting out fires and addressing issues that you hardly have an opportunity to be proactive and set goals,” said Rick Lee
Lee emphasized this as one of the biggest hurdles for those focusing on career development. Often, goal-setting efforts are put on the back burner to stay focused on in-the-moment needs, but being proactive in a very reactive industry can benefit both yourself and your facilities long term. Well-defined goals provide clear direction and targeted outcomes for yourself and your team.
“It gives everyone something to work towards. We don't want to be stagnant in what we do,” said Tara Thompson, Director of Procurement for TravelCenters of America, “Having those goals gives us and those we work with a clear view of what we want to accomplish.”
Keys to Goal-setting Success
Smart buildings provide significant advantages in facilities management, making it easier to monitor, manage and optimize building operations.
Do you need help tackling goal setting for the coming year? Here are a few ways to think about the task.
Don’t Plan in Isolation
Collaboration is a driving force in the complex ecosystem of facilities management, and it plays an equally vital role in shaping your goals. Involving your teams, supervisors and stakeholders can keep everyone aligned and accountable. “Career development and setting goals is not a one-sided, one-person job,” Thompson said. “Work with either those you report to or the teams you work with to make sure everyone is on the same page.”
That said, a collaborative approach to career development and goal setting is sometimes easier said than done. FMs and suppliers each play an important role in facilities, but lack of visibility can create a unique challenge for those wanting to advance. While collaboration is key, you don’t want to rely on others to lead the way.
“I truly believe that goal setting within facilities management requires being your own advocate and tracking your measurable successes to help promote yourself,” Lee said. The best way to do that is to make sure your whole team knows what you’re working towards.
Align Your Goals With Organization Objectives
Personal growth opportunities and success as an FM or supplier are ultimately tied to the overall success of your company. By aligning your career goals with your organization’s broader objectives, you can ensure that your personal growth contributes to company success. This approach helps gain the support of your team and supervisors while creating new opportunities and responsibilities to advance your career.
Get S.M.A.R.T. About Goals and Track Your Successes
Lofty, big-picture goals can be energizing, but it's equally important to focus on the smaller, often less exciting steps needed to achieve them. Following the simple S.M.A.R.T. approach can ensure you’re setting goals that are:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
Focusing on smaller goals can help maintain momentum and morale as you work toward long-term objectives. Both Lee and Thompson agreed that these goals not only move the needle but provide a sense of accomplishment.
“It’s hard to get someplace if you don’t know how. Building smaller, measurable, specific and attainable goals are very helpful in feeling a sense of accomplishment,” Lee said.
“It's good to have a mix of goals. You don't want to overload yourself with only heavy goals that are unattainable. Having a mix not only helps get things done but makes you feel good along the way,” Thompson said.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Having flexibility for the unexpected will allow you to meet the daily demands of facilities while staying on target for your career growth goals. Thompson emphasized that while timing is important, the anomalies in facilities management are bound to throw your timeline and objectives goals way off. “You must have some flexibility there because you can’t predict any of those outside factors,” she said.
Unlike more predictable industries, your goals can be interrupted at any time by occurrences as large as natural disasters or as small as a building plumbing issue.
“In many other industries, you can say, ‘This is what my next year will look like.’ In facilities, you must always be prepared for emergencies,” Thompson said.
Getting Started in a Few Steps
Now that you have a foundation for how to set your goals and what to prioritize, consider these simple steps to begin setting a path for next year.
Assess your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities with your team to identify key focus areas.
Document both your long-term vision and the short-term goals needed to achieve it.
Establish specific timelines and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress.
Communicate your vision, goals and objectives with key stakeholders for alignment and support.
Regularly review progress against timelines and KPIs, adjusting as necessary to stay on track.
While facilities management can be reactive and unpredictable, your career doesn’t have to be. By following best practices and setting measurable goals, you'll be well-positioned for success in the year ahead.
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