Speaking the Language of FM

Yesterday I received an invite from Councils of IFMA to "Learn the Language of FM". I already speak this language, although with varying degree of advancement and correctness, so it is fortunate that the Councils have put together this wonderful item called the FMpedia which properly defines and explains the words of the FM language. This got me thinking about other languages I have learned and how my experience of learning those languages is not so different as my experience in learning the language of FM. Let me explain. I took Spanish for two years and after the 2nd year, despite passing grades and hours of verb conjugation and noun memorization, I could not hold a basic conversation. My hindrance was that outside of class I did not practice or use my Spanish and very soon I was reduced to only recognizing an occasional word or two. When I studied Italian some years later, the experience and the results were remarkably different. I studied Italian while living in Tuscany and therefore had the daily opportunity to practice what I was learning. Granted, there were many mistakes. I had a tendency to mix up the verbs for hearing; I would say "I'm not listening to you" when I really meant "I can't hear you". I also used the more aggressive verbs whereas Italians use the passive. So while I meant "will you do this for me?" what I actually said was "you will do this for me now." Fortunately, Italians are cooperative in sharing their language and I was gently correctly and instructed. I knew progress was being made when the corner shops sold me espresso and cigarettes (yes, shameful past Euro-habits) at the lower "native price". My foreign language experience is thus similar to my IFMA experience. I've been an IFMA Member since 1999 yet it's only since the fall of 2007 that I have been an Active IFMA Member and it has been a remarkable difference indeed. While we all speak the language of FM, I believe it is through active participation in IFMA that one becomes fluent. Outside of our work, how often is there the opportunity to converse about the necessity of a jockey pump, the importance of good switch gear or the difference between predictive and preventative maintenance? Like Italian, the language of FM has regional differences and not all IFMA Members will completely understand. In my own job I perform ergonomic evaluations yet blindly asking other Members "do you experience much ulnar deviation at your site?" might bring about blank stares or unintended offense. But like the citizens of Italy, the members of IFMA are cooperative and understanding when FM is spoken. Similar to learning new and different words, the nouns and acronyms of FM may be chosen and spoken, then retracted and corrected, and spoken anew in a supportive environment. "Did I say gross area? Sorry, I meant usable area." "What is Ashray? Oh! You must mean ASHRAE..." "You're not familiar with AB 32? Let me explain..." As a formerly passive IFMA Member, I averaged a few programs per year and only spoke FM at work. But the language of FM is global, not local, and the more exposure you have, and the more network you do, the more you will learn. My own advance from passive to active member was brought about by earning my CFM and attending my first World Workplace in New Orleans. Since then, I've become the Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Membership Committee. I attend as many monthly programs as I am able and I'm exciting to be to presenting the first program offering from Education in September with my fellow committee members. And I'm also exciting about the new FMpedia...that's how I recently learned that "bake-out" (in FM) means "the process by which a building is heated in an attempt to accelerate VOC emissions from furniture and materials." And that VOC acronym? A quick click in FMpedia will tell you "volatile organic compound." That one I already new from my AQI permitting. What's AQI? Well, that's not in the FMpedia but if you want to know, call me, or look for me at a Program and we'll speak some FM. That's one of the many treasures of active membership; you're always learning something that's new and different and relevant. So...I hope to see you soon! Or as they say in Italian, "spero di incontrarlo presto!"

Serena from IFMA

Green Facilities Class at Sac State

Team,

Don't forget, Kit Tuveson's Green Business Operations Class series continues at Sac State next Tuesday with the GREEN FACILITIES module! For only $383, you get six, three-hour classes with the always info-taining Kit Tuveson! If you are looking to get up to speed quickly or get some useful tips for your toolbox and career, contact CSUS today at http://www.cce.csus.edu/catalog/course_group_detail.asp?group_number=344&group_version=1

Below is a description of the course starting on June 17th.

Green Facilities
Until recently most sites and buildings were designed for
lowest initial cost. Many organizations are now setting
new policies for incorporating “green” practices into
their asset management strategies. This course covers
the facility management responsibilities, policies, and
practices involved with implementing and managing
sustainable goals connected to real property. It identifies
those competencies needed by the facility management
function to properly design, operate, and maintain the site and buildings.

See you there!

W-Squared

2008 Strategic Planning Session

Howdy Partners! (I'm practicing for WWP-Dallas

I am organizing the 2008 Strategic Planning Session for our chapter. The session is open to all board members, committee chairs & co-chairs as well as any members identified by said board or committee chairs. For example, Serena or John may have a person in mind for eventual succession down the road, and they want to involve that person more. Or, there may be a particular volunteer who has demonstrated a skill that would make him/her a valuable participant during the session. Therefore, board members and committee chairs: please have your participation lists back to me by July 15th please.

Secondly, to prepare for the session, please review our current strat plan (I will be sending out an end of the year recap with our percentages of accomplishments, etc...) after July 1st. We have an exceptionally creative leadership team. It would be helpful if, at the committee level, some brainstorming was done prior to the strat plan session. So, please engage your committees and bring some ideas!

We are looking at an all day (9:00am to 5:00pm) Friday time slot on either August 22nd or 29th in Sacramento. Email me at wwhitzell@corporatecare.com to let me know if you can make these dates.

I can't tell you how gratifying it has been to be at these sessions each year and then compiling the Awards of Excellence submittals. I have seen so many things come full circle thanks to the hard work and creativity of this chapter. We have the first twenty years behind us and we are on the road to "Large Chapter Excellence" - Let's put the accelerator down and kick it up a notch!

-Your most grateful and IFMA-Indebted chapter member,
Wayne