Introduction

Effective cross-functional teamwork is essential for the success of facilities management (FM) projects, as FM operations often require collaboration across various departments, disciplines, and stakeholders. Whether managing a large-scale renovation, overseeing building operations, or implementing sustainability initiatives, FM leaders must work seamlessly with colleagues in finance, HR, procurement, operations, and beyond. This 5-day training course is designed to equip FM professionals with the knowledge and skills to build and lead cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and overcome common challenges in teamwork across organizational silos.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the value and challenges of cross-functional teamwork in facilities management.
2. Learn strategies for building effective cross-functional teams within FM projects.
3. Develop skills to manage communication, collaboration, and conflict in team settings.
4. Gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of various functions in FM projects.
5. Enhance their leadership abilities to drive collaboration and achieve organizational goals.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Facilities Managers and Leaders.
• Facilities Project Managers and Coordinators.
• Operations Managers and Supervisors in Facilities Management.
• Professionals responsible for leading or participating in cross-functional teams.
• Senior executives in facilities management, procurement, HR, and operations.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Cross-Functional Teamwork in FM

• The Importance of Cross-Functional Teamwork in Facilities Management
  • Why cross-functional teams are essential for successful FM operations.
  • The benefits of collaboration: Increased efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving.
  • Common challenges in cross-functional collaboration: Miscommunication, differing priorities, and lack of alignment.
• Defining Cross-Functional Teams in FM Projects
  • What makes a team “cross-functional” in the context of facilities management?
  • Key stakeholders and departments involved in FM projects: Operations, finance, procurement, HR, IT, sustainability, and legal.
  • The need for diversity in team expertise and perspectives.
• Roles and Responsibilities in Cross-Functional FM Teams
  • Understanding the roles of different functions in FM projects.
  • How to ensure clarity in roles and expectations for all team members.
• Interactive Session: Identifying cross-functional team dynamics in a case study of a facilities management project.

Day 2: Building Effective Cross-Functional Teams

• Team Formation and Structuring
  • How to select the right people for a cross-functional FM team.
  • Aligning team members’ skills, experience, and knowledge with project goals.
  • Defining team objectives, goals, and success criteria.
• Creating a Collaborative Environment
  • Building trust and rapport across different functions.
  • Encouraging open communication and active participation.
  • Setting a positive tone for team dynamics from the outset.
• Effective Team Meetings and Collaboration Tools
  • How to run productive cross-functional team meetings: Agenda-setting, time management, and decision-making.
  • Tools and technologies for collaboration: Project management software, document-sharing platforms, and communication tools.
• Workshop: Designing a cross-functional team structure for an FM project, with roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.

Day 3: Managing Communication and Collaboration in Teams

• Overcoming Communication Barriers
  • Addressing the common communication challenges in cross-functional teams: Jargon, misunderstandings, and misalignment.
  • Best practices for clear and effective communication between functions.
  • How to ensure that all voices are heard, especially when team members come from different departments.
• Collaboration Strategies for FM Teams
  • Fostering a culture of collaboration: Encouraging knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving.
  • Managing competing priorities and aligning diverse interests.
  • How to leverage diverse perspectives to create innovative solutions.
• Conflict Management in Cross-Functional Teams
  • Identifying and addressing conflicts that arise in cross-functional collaboration.
  • Techniques for resolving disputes: Active listening, mediation, and compromise.
  • Preventing conflicts through proactive communication and alignment.
• Interactive Discussion: Case study on a cross-functional project where communication breakdown led to challenges, and brainstorming solutions.

Day 4: Leadership in Cross-Functional FM Teams

• Leading Cross-Functional Teams
  • The role of a facilities manager in leading diverse teams: Balancing project management with team leadership.
  • How to influence without authority in a cross-functional setting.
  • Providing direction, motivation, and support for team members from different functions.
• Decision-Making in Cross-Functional Teams
  • How to facilitate decision-making processes across different departments.
  • Balancing diverse inputs and perspectives to arrive at a unified decision.
  • Managing risk and uncertainty in team-based decision-making.
• Performance Management and Accountability
  • Setting performance expectations and tracking progress across teams.
  • How to maintain accountability and measure team success.
  • Addressing performance issues and ensuring that objectives are met.
• Workshop: Leading a mock cross-functional team meeting, practicing leadership and decision-making skills in a team-based scenario.

Day 5: Achieving Success through Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Sustaining Cross-Functional Teamwork
  • Maintaining momentum throughout long-term FM projects.
  • Encouraging continuous improvement and learning within the team.
  • Strategies for adapting to changes and managing evolving team dynamics.
• Evaluating Team Performance and Success
  • Metrics for evaluating the success of cross-functional collaboration in FM projects.
  • Gathering feedback from team members and stakeholders.
  • How to measure the impact of teamwork on project outcomes.
• Best Practices for Future Cross-Functional FM Projects
  • Reflecting on key learnings and takeaways for improving cross-functional collaboration in future projects.
  • How to build a network of cross-functional collaboration across the FM organization.
• Conclusion and Certification.