Magnus Carlsen, the chess prodigy who has dominated the world of chess for over a decade, offers invaluable insights into the importance of competence over titles. At just 32, Carlsen is the highest-rated player in blitz, rapid, and classical chess formats, solidifying his status as arguably the greatest chess player of all time.
But what relevance does Carlsen’s chess supremacy hold for facilities managers navigating the corporate world?
Recently, Carlsen voluntarily stepped down from his classical chess title, paving the way for Ding Liren and Ian Nepomniachtchi to vie for the championship. Despite relinquishing his title, Carlsen is still widely regarded as the true world champion by top players and commentators alike. This scenario underscores a pivotal lesson: demonstrated competence often outweighs formal titles.
Titles can be deceiving in any industry, including facilities management. We’ve all encountered senior leaders who lack the essential skills to lead effectively and skilled professionals who remain unrecognised due to their lower-ranking titles.
In organisations, titles can be attained through various routes—political maneuvering, personal connections, tenure, financial contributions, or genuine job proficiency. However, none of these guarantee true competence.
Take, for instance, the journey of a CEO, whom we’ll call Harry. Early in his career, Harry worked under a superior who, despite holding a prestigious title, was neither effective nor kind. Harry, though in a lower-ranking position, excelled in his role and garnered the respect of his peers. Over time, colleagues began to bypass his ineffectual boss and seek Harry's guidance instead. Eventually, Harry's competence was recognised officially, leading to his boss’s dismissal and Harry's promotion.
The lesson here is clear: focusing on skill development and job performance can earn you the respect and recognition of your peers, regardless of your official title. Competence will eventually shine through and be acknowledged.
Leadership Without the Title
Interviews with several CEOs reveal a common theme: many of them surpassed their higher-ranking, less competent superiors through hard work and dedication. These now-CEOs weren’t always in top positions but earned their way up by proving their abilities and leadership qualities.
Ideally, competence and titles should align, but this is not always the case. For facilities managers, the lesson is profound: prioritise honing your skills and excelling in your job. Recognition and, eventually, appropriate titles will follow.
Strategic Career Navigation for Facilities Managers
By focusing on competence rather than titles, facilities managers can navigate their careers more effectively. Here’s how:
Develop Core Skills: Invest in continuous learning and development to enhance your technical and managerial competencies.
Showcase Your Abilities: Consistently deliver high-quality work and take the initiative to solve problems and improve processes.
Build Strong Relationships: Cultivate a network of colleagues who recognize and appreciate your expertise and contributions.
Seek Feedback and Act on It: Regularly seek feedback from peers and superiors and use it to improve your performance.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends and best practices to ensure you’re always bringing the best solutions to your organisation.
By emphasizing competence over formal titles, facilities managers can earn the respect and recognition of their teams and peers, ultimately leading to a successful and fulfilling career in facilities management.
