Building high-performing Facilities Management teams
Facilities Management team building is the cornerstone of creating high-performing teams and achieving sustained success in the Facilities Management industry. This requires transformational leadership, a clear vision, and an empowering workplace culture. For senior leaders and executives dedicated to Facilities Management Team Building, Canopy specialises in identifying and placing leaders who excel in these areas, ensuring FM organisations are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Here's 7 steps to building a high-performing team in FM:
1. Defining a Clear Purpose and Vision
A fundamental characteristic of high-performing teams is a well-defined purpose and vision. According to a report by Dale Carnegie, 85% of high-performing teams have clearly communicated goals. Leaders must ensure every team member understands and aligns with these objectives. By fostering a shared understanding of strategic priorities, FM leaders empower their teams to operate with clarity, focus and accountability.
2. Closing Perception Gaps
High-performing FM teams are built on trust, which requires closing the perception gap between leaders and employees. Misalignment in areas such as productivity, satisfaction and company culture can erode trust, impacting performance. As highlighted in the Dale Carnegie report, leaders must actively seek feedback, understand employee concerns and address discrepancies to align perspectives. For instance, one facilities director introduced quarterly anonymous feedback sessions, where employees could voice concerns without fear of judgment. This highlighted key issues such as lack of training and outdated tools, which were quickly addressed, boosting morale and performance. This approach nurtures an inclusive culture where employees feel heard, valued and connected to the organisation’s goals.
3. Cultivating Satisfaction Through Trust and Confidence
Employee satisfaction is the foundation of sustained team performance. Leaders must inspire confidence by investing in professional development, embracing new technologies and refining operational processes. Empowering employees with the autonomy to take ownership of their roles builds trust, enabling teams to excel. A culture of continuous learning and collective success drives higher engagement and performance.
4. Effective Communication for Stronger Teams
Communication is the backbone of any high-performing FM team. Leaders must establish communication channels that suit their employees’ needs, ensuring information is shared clearly and consistently. Tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Zoom can facilitate seamless collaboration. One idea could be to establish morning huddles where the team share daily priorities and potential roadblocks. This can lead to improved workflow coordination and reduced project delays. By balancing managerial guidance with team autonomy, leaders encourage employees to contribute ideas, ask questions and maintain clarity in their roles.
5. Embracing Adaptability
Adaptability is crucial for FM teams navigating industry changes and new challenges. High-performing teams embrace adaptability as a mindset, not just a buzzword. This requires fostering resilience, promoting flexible working practices and encouraging innovative problem-solving. When an FM team faced sudden staff shortages due to illness, their adaptability strategy enabled cross-trained team members to step in, ensuring no major disruptions to service delivery. Leaders who champion adaptability empower their teams to respond effectively to evolving responsibilities and priorities.
6. Accountability and Collaboration
FM leaders must foster a culture of accountability and cross-functionality. This involves setting clear expectations, encouraging constructive feedback and recognising team achievements. As noted in the Dale Carnegie report, accountability comes from clear goals, common purpose and mutual trust. When employees feel empowered to take responsibility for their contributions, they are more likely to support one another, driving collective success. Effective collaboration relies on diverse skill sets, shared priorities and mutual trust.
7. Technology as an Enabler, Not a Replacement
While technology plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency, it cannot replace strong leadership and team culture. FM leaders must adopt technology strategically to enhance communication, streamline operations and improve collaboration. However, they must also recognise that technology must complement – not replace – human connections. Successful leaders strike a balance between technological innovation and nurturing relationships with their teams.
Empowering Leadership for Future-Proof Teams
At Canopy, we understand that hiring senior FM leaders who embrace transformational leadership is key to building high-impact teams. Leaders who inspire, motivate and empower employees create environments where innovation thrives. By prioritising clear communication, fostering trust and encouraging accountability, these leaders build future-proof teams equipped to meet evolving industry demands.
With our tailored approach and exclusive network, Canopy specialises in identifying FM leaders who deliver transformative results. By understanding your organisation’s unique challenges and culture, we connect you with executives who will drive performance, innovation and long-term success.
To discover how Canopy can support your leadership search, contact us today.
Mark Fearnley
Executive Director
