There was once a time where the field of facilities management was almost exclusively led by males. While there is still much ground to be gained, in recent years, more and more women have taken executive roles in facilities management and business as a whole. This is good news, as many women have a skillset that is suited for being a facility manager. While there are numerous leadership skills that will allow one to be successful in facilities management, there are four in particular that are most useful and, statistically speaking, are stronger in women.
Self-awareness
A good facilities manager should be in tune with their own emotions and actions and those of their employees. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of both themselves and their team will help set realistic and attainable goals and meet them by putting the right people in charge of the necessary tasks and projects. When people are set up for success, they do their best and this ultimately benefits the entire facility.
Self-management
Workers in a facility look up to their manager for guidance and mentorship and this is why self-management is an important skill to have. Life in a facility isn’t always as planned, so being able to make calculated decisions and control emergency circumstances will help the company avoid disaster. A facility manager that is in control also can help their employees grow and feel more fulfilled in the workplace, which is paramount for productivity.
Empathy
Managing a facility doesn’t just mean handling operations and building repairs, it also includes managing people. When employees feel respected and have their issues addressed, they perform better, leading empathy to be a key management skill. This is also true for working with other departments in the facility, as being able to offer guidance and support strengthens company culture and loyalty.
Strong social skills
Finally, the ability to communicate clearly and honestly with others in the facility is important for any facilities manager. If something needs to be done, being approachable and being able to convey tasks and assignments will help entire operations run smoothly and efficiently.
These four facility management skills, all aspects of emotional intelligence, are, on average, stronger in women, making women who have mastered these skills qualified for facility management positions. If you need facility management work done beyond the means of your company, we at MaintenX are here to help. To learn more about our services, please call us any time at (855) 751-0075.
