The Importance Of Leadership Coaching In Facilities Management

Those of us who work in the world of Operational Facilities Management (FM) know how complex and demanding the field is, this is an industry that requires its management teams to have a huge range of skills and knowledge.

I speak from experience, when I say, I'm acutely aware of the pressure and need for our present and future leaders to be able to successfully handle the diverse array of responsibilities expected of them. Simply having technical expertise and experience is not enough to excel in our industry, being equipped with strong leadership skills is essential, but is all too often lacking. FM roles are complex, not only are managers responsible for ensuring buildings and infrastructure are safe, functional, and well-maintained. They must also manage teams of employees and contractors, deliver client expectations, juggle competing priorities and make strategic decisions that impact the entire organisations.

Let's be honest here, for many FM providers (I'm not saying all, there are exceptions), employee promotion or appointment into leadership positions is often determined on business growth (you won a new contract), or operational needs (someone departed) and whilst the employee likely deserves the step up, they're not always equipped to handle their new role because the right training and development wasn't put in place.

This failing to develop newly promoted leaders, has significant negative consequences for the business, decreased productivity, low morale, high turnover, and poor decision-making. I'd also add, when a business development team have finished selling the dream, poorly prepared operational teams struggle to deliver what's often been promised! Leading to a world of pain for both the provider and the client, ultimately poor contract retention.

I firmly believe "This is an industry which needs to work harder to support it's talented people to become good leaders, and then great leaders". This is where coaching, mentoring and development training is essential. Leadership coaching is a powerful tool that can help facilities managers develop the skills they need to excel in these challenging roles.

Here are just a few of the reasons why coaching is essential for creating great leaders in FM:

1. Coaching can help leaders develop greater self-awareness
One of the most important aspects of effective leadership is self-awareness. Leaders who are aware of their own strengths, weaknesses, and biases are better equipped to make sound decisions and build strong relationships with their teams. Coaching helps managers develop this self-awareness by providing a safe and confidential space to reflect on their own experiences, values, and goals.

2. Coaching can help leaders develop communication skills
Effective communication is a critical leadership skill in facilities management. Leaders must be able to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, stakeholders, and other members of the organisation. Coaching can help managers develop communication skills by providing feedback on their communication style, helping them identify areas for improvement, and providing strategies for effective communication in different contexts.

3. Coaching can help leaders develop strategic thinking skills
Leaders must be able to think strategically in order to make sound decisions that support the goals of the organisation. Coaching can help managers develop these strategic thinking skills by providing tools and frameworks for decision-making, helping them identify key priorities and objectives, and providing guidance on how to align their decisions with the broader goals of the organisation.

4. Coaching can help leaders develop resilience
FM is a demanding and often pressured environment, it requires leaders who are resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges. Coaching can help managers develop this resilience by providing strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, coaching is a powerful tool that can help managers working in the world of FM develop the leadership skills they need to excel in this demanding field. By providing support, guidance and feedback, coaching can help develop self-awareness, communication skills, strategic thinking skills, and resilience, all of which are essential for success in FM.

With the right coaching, good managers can become great leaders who inspire their teams, make sound decisions, and drive the success of their organisation.

Work with me

When it comes to choosing coaching, mentoring or training, experience and proven success are key factors, and I bring both to the table. Whether it be one to one or organisational, you can benefit from my vast industry experience, I understand the unique challenges and demands of this field. With my in-depth knowledge, I can provide tailored guidance and strategies specific to the industry.

Furthermore, I am proud to be recognised as an award-winning business leader, which attests to my ability to drive impactful results and foster growth. Working with me means gaining access to a wealth of expertise and a track record of success, putting professional development in capable hands.

If you or your organisation would like to explore options, reach out. Let's work together to create great leaders.