In episode 146 of the Asset Champion podcast, host Mike Petrusky speaks with David Suter, CCM, CFM, President at CBSI in San Diego. The two talk about Suter’s journey in the world of facility and construction management, his leadership philosophy, and the value of his connections in the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) community. Suter emphasizes the importance of personal growth and shares that people often overlook investing in mentors. He also offers some practical advice for improving your mindset to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. They explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and app-based worktech solutions for improving efficiency and productivity in facility management and real estate. From there, they tackle the difference between change management and transition management, and which one is more important.
Agenda
- Suter’s career in the facility management industry
- Leadership philosophies and why they matter
- Importance of personal growth and self-awareness
- Impact of technology on facility and asset management
What you need to know: Facility and maintenance takeaways
Takeaway 1: Investing in personal growth can lead to better leadership and professional development
An important part of personal improvement is finding a mentor or coach and connecting with like-minded individuals who aspire to do better.
“You owe it to yourself to put yourself first this year, and what that means is getting yourself a coach, getting yourself a mentor, getting around people that want to do bigger, better things,” Suter says.
He further explains: Investing in yourself makes it easier to find and connect with people with the same mindset.
Takeaway 2: The impact of leadership on facility management and project management
The pair discuss the critical role leadership plays in facility management and project management. Suter says it’s important to know the difference between a leader and a manager.
“I had been on a leadership journey for almost years at that point, trying to find out what it meant to be a real leader and not just a manager, because they are way, way different things.”
Takeaway 3: Being open to new technology in facility and asset management
In the future, technology will have a heavy influence on facility and asset management, and industry professionals need to be ready to embrace it.
“I think for us, one of our biggest advantages that we’ve been using, and I see it with the FMs, is more app-based products,” says Suter.
There are also opportunities with artificial intelligence (AI).
Suter talks about leveraging AI to improve his productivity, particularly for tasks like writing project scopes. “I’m just scratching the surface on AI… can I just start given the overall what the scope is and see what AI can do, ChatGPT can do to write it?” Suter asks.
In the end, he believes that while AI may not provide perfect results, it could serve as a useful starting point.
Takeaway 4: Carefully managing change and transitions in the workplace is important
There’s an important difference between change management and transition management.
According to Suter: “The change is we’re moving to a new building. But the transition is what’s happening to the actual people.”
To help people with transitions, he recommends a strategy called the “Stoplight Effect,” which aims to transition people from a state of fear or uncertainty (red) to a state of understanding (yellow), and ultimately to a state of acceptance and enthusiasm (green).
Maintenance management insights
- Personal growth and self-awareness are crucial for leaders to reach new levels of success and growth in their organizations.
- There is a distinct difference between change management and transition management. The former is about the actual change happening, while the latter focuses on how people are affected by the change.
- Technology, especially AI and app-based products, can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in facilities and asset management.
- Effective leadership in times of change requires open, clear communication, humility, and an open mind.
Do a deep dive into more asset management insights by exploring all Asset Champion Podcast episodes
