In the dynamic world of facilities management (FM), every leader wears a metaphorical hat that defines their approach, style, and priorities. Whether you're balancing countless responsibilities, ensuring meticulous compliance, or driving toward ambitious goals, there's a hat that fits your role.

So, which hat fits you? Read on to find out—plus, learn which hat can augment you and your team’s already-worn hats.

Hat #1 – The Juggler

This hat is yours if you’re the master of balancing competing deliverables. There may be no better example of fulfilling “other duties as assigned” than those who are asked to oversee FM services, so this juggler’s hat often fits the FM leader. You are tasked with the mastery of simultaneously juggling workplace services, safety, and experience—and to do so with a predictable financial outcome with, of course, fewer resources. You may not always lead the pack, but you are proud of how you’ve consistently managed services for your portfolio with limited interruption.

Jugglers quickly build relationships based on their cross-functional perspective and adjust without creating fatal mistakes. However, because this person functions as the glue to the otherwise disconnected workplace, the Juggler’s focus is never on just one ball. Because of this, they may struggle to deliver a signature victory or quantifiable results that resonate with the executive stakeholders observing the P&L. Accordingly, jugglers tend to be labeled as the “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Hat #2 – Captain Compliance

The Compliance cap is something everyone should wear, but few do it like you. You monitor the vendor logs at your site every day to make sure they line up with labor hours reporting. You often operate primarily from the standard operating procedures you’ve diligently created over the years. Your legal team knows you well as your name is routinely at the top of their inboxes with a new supplier inquiry. Sure, you may be late on your invoice approval window from time to time, but that’s because you’re actually vetting each invoice and consulting the supporting agreements, like everyone else is supposed to do. Unlike The Driver (see below) who is seeking the end destination, or The Juggler distracted by a changing environment, you anchor yourself to the firm footing of compliance.

You may not receive the award for the quickest response, but your response will be the most thorough. When tough decisions need to be made, you always consult your leader (or legal) to ensure you can fall back on the defense that it was a committee decision. The Compliance cap allows for a risk-averse posture that protects the organization from worst-case scenarios; however, stakeholders’ feedback often notes that this cap prevents a proper sense of urgency, presenting challenges based on the nature of the role.

Hat #3 – The Driver

The Driver’s hat, or perhaps more appropriately, The Driver’s helmet, fits well for the FM leader focused on the end goal, regardless of the potential bumps in the road. Singularly focused, taking “no” for an answer is rarely an option, or at least never the default response. You have earned your place in the industry and internal circles by always pressing forward, overcoming obstacles, and willing your goals into reality.

Drivers have mastered the art of control and can competently explain how their facilities are responding to their guidance and oversight. Drivers are known by stakeholders for delivering outcomes, and most of the time, those outcomes are positive. Whereas The Juggler responds by adjusting to a new ball thrown into the mix, The Driver  is the force behind the ball. This hat is quite helpful when results are in question, but Drivers still share the limited resource of their time and attention, meaning service delivery and connectedness to the customer can be at risk. After all, you can focus on any operational or compliance gaps in the business review (to be scheduled).

Many Hats, Insufficient Time

The reality in the FM world is an increasing scope of responsibilities and less productive time to focus on delivering initiatives. That likely has you feeling stuck in an endless loop of juggling not just services, emails, calls, and projects—but also hats. You’ve done everything you can, but it’s just not enough to demonstrate sustainable results on your P&L. The system is not set up in your favor.

Now add in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) tools automating remedial items, like work order routing and invoice approval, and the stakes are higher than ever before for FM leaders to demonstrate value.

Your organization has already recognized and communicated that changes are coming, and that almost always means doing more with less. So where do we go from here?

Hat # 4 – The Guide

You need more time in the day, and more focus on the things that deserve your attention. You need someone who can act as a co-pilot, or a trusted Guide that offers recommendations and allows you to remain in control. Not another vendor that merely offers consolidation, but a resource who is compensated when they deliver results—not regardless of outcome.

Such an arrangement does exist. As expense management specialists with FM industry expertise, we can help you evaluate your current costs, identify savings, improve compliance, and give you time back in your day.

Schedule a call with us today. Let us earn the role of your Guide.