Four Tips on Facility Management That You Won't Want to Miss

As a facility manager, you're responsible for a lot of things. While it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of your department, it's important to remember that you also have a job to do each day, and your job is vital to business. Whether you're pitching a new project or dealing with employee issues, it's important that you're confident and understand how your role affects your company. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to stay on top of your job and still manage the day-to-day operations.

Know Your Value to the Company

When you're battling over funding it can seem like all of the other departments are working against you. However, it's important to remember that you're all on the same side. Instead of going into a budget meeting with $1 million worth of projects, be realistic. Before the meeting, take some time to review your budget history. Having a good idea of how much money was awarded to your department in the past can help you set realistic goals for future budgets.

Create a Long-Term Plan

Everyone knows that money doesn't grow on trees, and even though you may need a specific amount of money to get a project completed, the finance department may not see the importance of the issue. Therefore, it's important for you to approach the finance department with a long-term strategy. Not only will your finance department have more respect for you if you come to them prepared, but your long-term plan could help you build business relationships that could ease the process in years to come.

Build Relationships with Senior Executives

When it comes to winning funding for your latest project, you can tip the scales in your favor by building solid relationships with senior executives. Basically, your success in securing funding will come down to your credibility. The more you're out and about socializing with top managers, the easier it will be for them to get to know you and trust you. Then, when there's extra money to be awarded, your project could receive an accidental bump up the ladder of importance. The process doesn't have to be overwhelming, consider "accidentally" bumping into a senior executive in the elevator and have a short elevator pitch ready.

Know How to Work with a Leaner Staff

Changes in healthcare have resulted in leaner facility staffs. Unfortunately, this probably means that you have to do more with less. Instead of running around like a chicken with your head cut off every day, becoming a master of time management. Keep in mind it is common for people to wear multiple hats in the workplace. As long as you are aware of the time you have, know how to use the resources that are available to you, and plan your time wisely, it shouldn't be complicated to stay ahead of the game.

Sometimes is can seem like facility managers aren't valued as much as managers from other departments. However, it's imperative that you remember just how important your jobs is. Once you start building relationships and managing your time properly, your job will become a lot less stressful.