A little more than 15 years ago, I was promoted to editor-in-chief of one of our company’s flagship magazines. I walked into the office one morning to find a small gift along with a handwritten note from my CEO.
He wrote that staff development and leadership would be crucial in my new role, which is why he gave me a copy of the book “Heroic Leadership,” by Chris Lowney, a former Jesuit who worked at J.P. Morgan for 17 years.
The Jesuit principle of leadership is that this role isn’t limited to only the select few at the top. Instead, everyone is a leader, and they are leading all the time, either doing it well or poorly.
This is the same notion that underscores our annual Facility Champion Award. This honor isn’t reserved just for those at the top of the organization. We want to recognize anyone in facility management who stands out from their peers, whether that person is a vice president of facilities, director of operations, maintenance manager or frontline technician (or anyone in between).
Facility Champions are those who help their buildings achieve ambitious operational goals; willingly adapt to changing trends and adopt new technology; energize and motivate others in their department; and engage with the industry with pride and professionalism.
Perhaps not surprisingly, these are similar traits to Jesuit leadership values outlined in “Heroic Leadership.” Nearly two decades later, this thoughtful gesture from a leader is still influencing my career. That’s how impactful a leader can be.
If all this sounds like someone you know — or perhaps yourself, as we accept self-nominations — enter your submission by June 14. Winners will be recognized on FacilitiesNet and be part of a panel webcast this fall.
Dan Weltin is the editor-in-chief, facility market. He has more than 20 years writing about facility-related issues.
