In episode 375, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Becky Spohn, CFM, FMP, Senior Manager, Facilities Operations at ASPCA in Columbus, OH where she is passionate about ensuring that facilities not only function seamlessly but also serve as strategic assets that advance organizational goals. Mike asks Becky about her career in facility management and the influence of the IFMA community, which has provided her with essential training and a supportive network of professionals. They explore the role of Emotional intelligence (EQ) in FM and its role in enabling better communication and problem-solving with vendors, staff, and contractors. Becky says that EQ involves understanding, interpreting, and managing one’s own emotions as well as those of others, which can lead to more harmonious workplace interactions. She recommends the book “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Dr. Travis Bradberry & Dr. Jean Greaves as a source for team strategies and gaining insights related to strengthening our weak areas.
Agenda
- Discussion of experience at Worls Workplace 2025 in Minneapolis
- Deep dive into the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace
- Exploration of navigating generational and personality differences at work
- Insights in how EQ fosters better communication and collaboration
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective communication and collaboration in diverse workplace environments
Facility management professionals often overlook the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in their daily interactions, but it can significantly enhance their ability to manage projects and relationships. “We have to have emotional intelligence,” Becky stated, emphasizing that EQ is not just a soft skill but a critical component of successful communication and project management.
Daniel Goleman, a key figure in the field of emotional intelligence, defines EQ as “the ability to understand, interpret, and manage your emotions, as well as those of the people around you,” Becky explained. This definition underscores the importance of empathy and social awareness in navigating the complexities of facility management, where different stakeholders have varying emotional ties to the work being done.
For example, Becky shared a scenario where a contractor is running late: “If you had come at them with empathy like, hey, what’s going on? Talk to me. They know the project’s running late, you know the project’s running late, but how is it running late? Why is it running late, right?” This approach, as opposed to a confrontational one, can lead to better understanding and more positive outcomes, highlighting the practical benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace.
Takeaway 2: Personal challenges and strengths can be reframed through emotional intelligence to foster professional growth and resilience
Becky reflected on her personal journey and how emotional intelligence helped her reframe her self-perception and overcome early career obstacles. “I have incredible gifts and talents that other people don’t have, that some things that just come so easy to me, other people struggle with,” she said, drawing from her experience with dyslexia and academic struggles.
The Albert Einstein quote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid,” resonated deeply with Becky. “When I realized that, when I heard that quote, or read that quote, I guess I should say for the first time, it literally opened my mind,” she shared, explaining how the quote helped her recognize her unique strengths and the value she brings to her role.
This realization has not only boosted her confidence but also influenced her approach to facility management. “I have to manage both [the contractor and the CFO],” Becky noted, highlighting the importance of understanding and leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives of team members to achieve common goals.
Takeaway 3: Building a network of support and learning is essential for career development in facility management
The role of community and continuous learning in facility management was a recurring theme in the conversation. Becky credited her involvement with IFMA for saving her career. “IFMA saved my career. They truly did,” she said, attributing her success to the training and support she received from the organization.
The Central Ohio chapter of IFMA played a pivotal role in her development. “We’re just so welcoming and the trainings and everything that they offered and just, hey, if I was having a problem, who else has dealt with this? Somebody else had,” Becky explained. This network of professionals provided her with practical solutions and a sense of camaraderie, which are vital for navigating the challenges of facility management.
Certifications and credentials, like the FMP and CFM, were also discussed as important milestones in professional growth. “You got to get your CFM. You have got to get your CFM. And I’m like, oh, I don’t know. And finally, I took it last October, so it’s been almost a year that I’ve had it now, and it was truly, I’m embarrassed to say, but I have test anxiety,” Becky admitted. Despite the initial hesitation, she passed the exam, demonstrating the value of pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve professional milestones.
Takeaway 4: Empathy and compassion are key to fostering a collaborative and resilient workplace culture
“If we can all have EQ, we can all get along,” Becky said, reflecting on the diverse generational and personality styles present in modern workplaces.
She further elaborated on the impact of empathy: “If we all have, you know, just compassion for one another and understand that I truly believe that 99.9% of us in this world are doing the best we can. If we can just give each other some grace and some empathy, I think we’d all be much better off,” Becky explained. This perspective is particularly relevant in facility management, where teamwork and collaboration are essential for success.
The discussion also touched on the role of emotional intelligence in building strong relationships with vendors, staff, and contractors. “Just you, like when you’re starting to talk about music and you get excited and you really love it, and then I get excited, you’ve managed my emotion,” Becky noted, illustrating how positive interactions can influence others and lead to better outcomes in the workplace.
Takeaway 5: Emotional intelligence training and assessments can be valuable tools for personal and professional development
Becky recommended the book “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Dr. Travis Bradberry and Dr. Jean Greaves as a resource for enhancing emotional intelligence. “The book is a Wall Street Journal bestseller. Emotional Intelligence 2.0. It’s a phenomenal book. There’s a great assessment in there as well,” she said, highlighting the practical benefits of the book.
The assessment in the book helps identify areas of weakness in EQ and provides strategies for improvement. “After you take the assessment, it’ll break down in those four quadrants. Are you weak in self-awareness, self-management? Social awareness, relationship management. It
Workplace management insights
- Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial in the workplace, as it helps manage and understand the emotions of oneself and others, leading to better communication and problem-solving.
- Different individuals in a project, such as vendors, staff, and executives, have different emotional ties and perspectives that an FM must navigate.
- Compassion and empathy in the workplace can help bridge generational and personality differences, fostering a more harmonious and effective work environment.
Do a deep dive into more workplace insights by exploring all Workplace Innovator podcast episodes.
