Today’s FM leaders are stepping into more strategic roles, helping guide their organizations through change and complexity. That means thinking differently about what facility management really is, from navigating the journey to new ways of working, creating space for curiosity, and focusing not just on processes, but on people.
Key takeaways
- Facility managers must navigate the “messy middle” of organizational change, creating environments that support psychological safety and encourage open dialogue
- FM professionals should reimagine themselves as strategic partners, aligning their initiatives with broader business goals to demonstrate their value in supporting productivity, employee well-being, and operational efficiency
- Positive reinforcement and curiosity are essential for building strong teams and shaping workplace culture. Recognizing employees for their achievements and encouraging curiosity can boost motivation, engagement, and innovation
These ideas aren’t just theoretical. They’re showing up in real conversations with the FM leaders navigating change in real time.
Leading through the messy middle
In the Workplace Innovator podcast episode “Tricky Times: Navigating the Messy Middle of Change,” Jitske Kramer explores new ways of thinking about liminality, the uncomfortable, in-between phase of transformation.
It’s the transitional space between two states, the threshold where the old has ended, but the new hasn’t fully begun. It’s often marked by uncertainty, ambiguity, and a sense of disorientation. The concept, rooted in anthropology, describes moments of transformation where individuals or groups are caught between identities, roles, or structures.
While liminal phases can feel uncomfortable, they also offer a rare opportunity for creativity, reflection, and reinvention. In this space, people can question norms, new ideas can emerge, and meaningful change can take root.
In the context of facility management, liminality shows up during times of organizational change, whether it’s shifting to hybrid work, adopting new technologies, or redefining workplace culture.
Facility managers often find themselves at the center of these transitions, responsible for guiding teams through the unknown. Their role becomes less about maintaining physical spaces and more about facilitating human experiences.
By recognizing the power of liminal moments, FM leaders can create environments that support psychological safety, encourage open dialogue, and help people navigate change with confidence and clarity.
“It will be frightening, and it will be wonderful because there’s so much space for creation and finding new ways,” Jitske says.
She encourages leaders to foster “campfire conversations” where people speak truth to power.
“We need to become very good at having good conversations, listening to all voices, and making decisions where, you know, at least most people feel comfortable with and feel that their knowledge is shared.”
Rethinking the role of facility management
Larry Allen Morgan, in “’Prioritize Your Output’ – Facilities Management: The True Value Proposition,” challenges facility professionals to reimagine themselves as strategic partners.
At many organizations, people see facility management as a cost center, a department or function within an organization that doesn’t directly generate revenue but still plays a critical role in supporting business operations. Think of teams like HR, IT, and facility management. These groups incur costs to keep things running smoothly, but they aren’t selling products or services themselves.
Instead, their value comes from enabling other parts of the business to perform better. Managing a cost center means keeping an eye on budgets, improving efficiency, and showing how your work contributes to broader goals, even if it doesn’t show up on a sales report.
By aligning FM initiatives with broader business goals, facility managers can demonstrate how their work directly supports productivity, employee well-being, and operational efficiency. For example, optimizing space usage can reduce real estate costs, while proactive maintenance can prevent expensive downtime.
When FM teams use data to make smarter decisions, improve sustainability, and enhance the workplace experience, they move from being a line item on a budget to a key contributor to organizational success.
The shift starts with telling a better story, one that connects facilities to outcomes that matter.
Recognizing the human element
In “’Catch People Doing Things Right’ – How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads,” Martha Lawrence emphasizes the power of focusing on the positive.
“Catch someone doing something right. Tell them what they did. Tell them how it made you feel and let them know that they made a difference in your life. And just watch the energy level, watch it go up.”
Positive reinforcement is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost motivation, engagement, and performance at work. When managers recognize employees for doing something well, they’re more likely to repeat that behavior.
According to PositivePsychology.com, regular acknowledgment helps create a supportive environment and increases job satisfaction.
A NectarHR survey of 1,800 full-time employees found that:
- 83.6% said recognition affects their motivation to succeed
- 77.9% would be more productive if they were recognized more often
- 71% would be less likely to leave their organization if they received more frequent praise
- 87% said meaningful recognition improves job satisfaction
Recognition also builds trust. A Semos Cloud report found that:
- 78% of workers say being appreciated motivates them
- 84% of HR professionals believe recognition positively affects engagement
- 88% of employees who receive strong recognition are more likely to innovate
For facility managers, positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool for building strong teams and shaping workplace culture. Whether it’s acknowledging a technician for solving a complex issue or recognizing a team for completing a major project under budget, these moments of appreciation go a long way. They boost morale, encourage accountability, and help people feel seen for the work they do behind the scenes.
In a field where much of the work is invisible until something goes wrong, catching people doing things right is essential.
Curiosity and collaboration as catalysts
In “’Be Curious’ – Inspiration for Achieving Collective Success in Facilities and Asset Management,” Lalit Agarwal encourages FM leaders to embrace curiosity and collective success.
“Be curious, ask questions, try to reach out to people who you think they know better, or you admire their work.”
Curiosity is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after traits in the workplace. It’s not just about asking questions. Instead, it’s about staying open to new ideas, exploring possibilities, and being willing to challenge the status quo. According to Harvard Business Review, curiosity helps people think more deeply and creatively, improves collaboration, and boosts decision-making. It also leads to stronger relationships and greater respect between leaders and their teams.
The 2021 SAS Curiosity@Work Report found that 72% of managers believe curiosity is a very valuable trait in employees, and 59% say it drives real business impact. The same report revealed a 90% increase in LinkedIn job postings that mention curiosity, showing how much demand for this skill is growing. Meanwhile, a U.S. News article highlighted that employees with higher levels of curiosity are more engaged and find greater meaning in their work, which leads to better performance and job satisfaction.
As the workplace continues to evolve, FM leaders who ask thoughtful questions and explore new approaches are better equipped to solve complex problems, adapt to change, and drive innovation. Whether it’s experimenting with new space strategies, exploring the potential of AI, or finding creative ways to support employee well-being, curiosity helps FM professionals stay ahead of the curve. It also fosters a culture of learning and collaboration, which is essential for navigating the challenges of modern work environments.
Stay on top of the trends in intelligent worktech and facility management
Staying informed about the latest industry developments is critical for professional success. Workplace and facility management are constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and best practices, so staying well-informed is a key differentiator.
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Frequently asked questions
By Mike Petrusky
As Director of Podcasts at Eptura, Mike Petrusky hosts both the Workplace Innovator Podcast and the Asset Champion Podcast, sharing thought leadership with CRE, FM, and IT leaders in the digital and hybrid workplace. Mike has produced more than 500 podcast episodes listened to in over 111 countries. As an in-demand public speaker, Mike engages audiences at numerous industry events each year, including International Facility Management Association and CoreNet conferences, focusing on the human element of workplace and facility management.
