The December 2004 “Frosty” Edition
Northern Alberta Chapter
In this issue
Presidents Message
Sound Masking Goes Digital
Strategic Directions – Membership
Recent Events
FM Outlink – Bubble Wrap
Knowledge Management Retro-Innovation – Year End Clean Up
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
NAC Sponsors
The Editors Note
It's December 1 (as I write this) already! How time flies when you're having fun or working 60 hours a week while juggling a dozen balls. Time to stop and shop... or shovel snow. Sometimes we get so caught up in our jobs, family and other commitments we forget to look after ourselves and our careers, (which is different than our jobs, just to be clear). So that's where IFMA comes into the picture. We're a vehicle to help you grow your facility management career. This vehicle only runs though if you put some fuel in it (members' energy) and keep it maintained, and it’s always nice to know where you're going (a plan) and your Board undertakes to provide that direction. Whether the analogy is valid, I'm not sure but I think you get the drift, especially in this climate.
Your Board is putting quite a bit of energy into our Christmas party on Wed. Dec. 8, after work, so I hope to many of your smiling faces there. If you haven't been out lately or are a recent new member, here is a chance to meet chapter colleagues, network, and cavort in a totally fun, laid-back environment. Many of you unfortunately couldn't attend the "Lunch with the President" this fall, so here's another chance to bend my ear. They say that one of the key factors in success is merely showing up. Well that's all you have to do - show up, and I personally guarantee you'll have a good time. As well as free admission, games, prizes and food, we are awarding free movie passes to any member who brings with them a prospective new member. These are worth their weight in ...popcorn? Plus... there will be other festive surprises! Don't miss out, register with Vicki today.
John F. McLaughlin, CFM
President 2004-2005
From white noise to random sound to fully digital, sound masking has come a long way. With the recent Canadian-manufactured acoustic network entering the market, a new generation of sound masking technology promises to further enhance acoustics in the office environment. The system offers not only digital sound masking, but also multiplexed paging and music, while eliminating the need for centrally located amplifiers, equalizers, sound generators and other components.
Sound masking has been an integral part of office acoustics for well over a quarter century.
However, fine-tuning these systems has been cumbersome as access to the plenum through ceiling tiles has been required. The new acoustic network is capable of configuring volume and equalizer settings, timer and paging zones for an entire system through a centrally located control unit or a laptop computer. Thus, the system can be completely re-tuned or re-configured without re-wiring or re-accessing the ceiling.
Studies have shown that acoustics are an essential consideration in meeting what is arguably the primary goal of the office: to provide a setting conducive to optimal work performance. In surveys conducted by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), respondents typically said that they would be more productive if their office was quieter.
There is no single way to go about achieving an effective acoustic environment. The approach many professionals use is the “ABC rule”, meaning Absorb, Block and Cover (or Mask). Absorptive components such as acoustic ceiling tiles and systems furniture reduce the volume of sounds reflected off their surfaces back into the office space. Walls in closed offices and systems furniture in open plan spaces block direct sound paths and reduce reverberation. And, of course, sound masking adds a consistent background sound that covers up unwanted noise and helps to render speech unintelligible.
With the acoustic network system, this leading edge technology helps to enhance office acoustics, thus providing a comfortable workplace free of distractions. In addition, it is cost-effective and very “green” due to its energy-efficiency and long lifespan.
This is the only digital acoustic network system available in the world. Improve your acoustics—go digital!
"Submitted by Valerie Alexander, Account Manager, Sound-Rite Acoustics Inc. Edmonton. Contact Val at (780) 414-1756 or e-mail at valerie.alexander@sound-rite.com. Sound-Rite Acoustics Inc. distributes the LogiSon(TM) Acoustic Network digital system in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. LogiSon(TM) is manufactured in Oakville, Ontario."
Join the IFMA NAC Community and enjoy the benefits of Membership
(adapted from the IFMA website)
Membership in IFMA NAC gives you the industry information, professional interaction and essential resources necessary to remain competitive. IFMA represents the most connected community of facility managers in the industry, and our community grows stronger each year.
As a member of IFMA NAC, you have access to benefits, contacts, resources and opportunities, all geared toward strengthening your knowledge, skills and confidence. IFMA NAC is dedicated to supporting you throughout your career. The entire Association-from Headquarters to individual members-is ready to help you grow, both personally and professionally.
Top Five Reasons to Become an IFMA NAC Member
1. Representation - IFMA is recognized as the leading authority on facility management. IFMA has established a worldwide presence to monitor issues affecting the workplace globally. Working with other workplace-related organizations, IFMA also promotes awareness and impacts trends affecting the future of FM.
2. Networking and Interaction - IFMA supports the most connected community of facility managers in the industry, and our community grows stronger each year. With local chapters, industry-specific councils and a host of special events offered throughout the year, IFMA's networking opportunities are second to none.
3. Professional Development - Whether you are preparing for certification or simply want to improve your current skills, IFMA's Professional Development seminars and courses help you acquire valuable tools and techniques, gain insight into the complexities of FM and learn strategies for increasing on-the-job effectiveness.
4. Professional Certification - IFMA's Certified Facility Manager (CFM) program promotes professional excellence, establishes global standards for professional practice, promotes the added value of the profession and helps to influence the future direction of facility operations worldwide.
5. Member Resources - At no extra cost or at significantly reduced rates, IFMA provides its members with a wealth of educational, career enhancement and personal development resources.
How does membership in IFMA NAC benefit me?
Offers professional insight, clarity and direction
Exposure to a multitude of resources
Increased opportunities to broaden skills and knowledge in all FM-related areas
Networking with professionals locally and globally
Access to IFMA research reports, publications and conferences
Opportunities to grow both personally and professionally
FM-targeted resource of career opportunities
Ken E. Stepan, CFM
Vice President
Recent Events
Mr. Andrew McCready, CFM, IFMA Fellow and Dr. David Schindler (The Coming Crisis in Water) – October 13, 2004.
Mr. John McLaughlin, CFM presents the donation from IFMA NAC to Ms. Marjorie Benz (Edmonton Food Bank) – November 17, 2004. Please see the pictorial of the tour on the IFMA NAC Website - http://www.ifma-nac.org
FM Outlink – Bubble Wrap (hey why not?)
Pop, pop, pop, pop the direct pleasure of collapsing those little air pockets is the sound of stress just drifting away. But what are you to do if your personal secret stash of bubble wrap is all used up and you just need a quick pop to get you through to lunch. The virtual solution is just a click away. So focus and click the link and be welcomed into the virtual world of popping bubble wrap.
Pop this link now à http://www.virtual-bubblewrap.com/popnow.shtml
Bubble wrap etiquette (etiquette matters)
Don't pop someone else's bubble wrap without permission. This could lead to Bad Things Happening to your person.
Don't pop bubble wrap in quiet public places (like libraries) unless you want it confiscated.
Don't pop bubble wrap in a store if you haven't paid for it. They get cranky when their rolls of bubble wrap are all limp.
It is always good form to offer to share your bubble wrap.
Giving your bubble wrap to children is good for Karma points.
Chicks dig bubble wrap. Always bring it along on a date.
Normally in this space a single focus is presented on a particular topic that represents a blending of new and old ideas. This time around though there are a number of items that have been kicking about the Retro-Innovation in box and they just need to be dealt with. So, here you go, a small collection of ideas/readings/articles that have made it to my attention.
Zen-in – Knowledge Management through real ba and virtual ba.
“Zen-in” (zen-in means everyone).
The implementation of knowledge management should mean that any organization should and must do two things more intentionally and systematically.
The key to knowledge integration is knowing who knows what and how much. It is a mix of a real ba (or space) for face-to-face discussion and a virtual ba or cyberspace for cross-fertilization of information or knowledge creation.
Making Sure the “Suit “ Fits (excerpt)– www.haygroup.com
The Hay Group study identified three unique role types, each of which, depending on its focus, requires a unique set of competencies. They are:
Operations roles. These are what we typically think of as the more traditional line and general management positions. Operations roles are accountable for business results, often through the direct control of significant people and resources. Successful operations leaders are intensely focused on results. They set challenging goals, establish detailed cost-benefit analyses, and aren’t afraid to take calculated risks. They also have a thorough knowledge of their organization and markets. They know the challenges, threats, and opportunities and are highly flexible in addressing them.
Advisory roles. These roles, often labeled “professionals,” provide advice, guidance, and support regarding a specific functional area. Although not directly accountable for results, they’re frequently responsible for developing broad functional capability and the interpretation and application of functional policies. Successful leaders in these roles know the organization inside and out. They also have great people skills and are adept at combining those skills with their understanding of the organization to influence others. They tend to be highly conceptual, drawing on knowledge and experience to create new solutions.
Collaborative roles. Rapidly emerging as a mainstay in today’s flatter, matrixed organization, such roles lack the direct authority of operational positions. However, they are nonetheless accountable for key business results, which can be extremely challenging for those who have risen through the more traditional executive ranks. They are highly proactive, extremely flexible, tenacious in seeking out information, and tailor their influence and communications based on the people, situation, and culture.
Conclusions
While most senior executives need a common, core set of competencies (well over 75% of those studied were good at in-depth analysis, applying concepts, and digging for relevant information) additional competencies may be required depending on the scope and shape of the role. The findings raise serious questions about traditional assessment methods, especially those that overemphasize the qualities of the person and pay too little attention to the critical job requirements. The findings also make a strong case for rethinking how organizations select, develop, and promote their leaders. By better understanding the specific leadership role and the competencies required, organizations can effectively reduce their risks and, over time, improve performance.
Business is full of it – the lingo, the slang, the meaningful and meaningless jargon of the day. Sometimes you just need a handful of words to assist you in expressing that thought, that direction, that concept that may just be lacking in pure clarity. The following link http://www.dack.com/web (then hit web economy link) takes you to a generator of words that can assist you in getting your statement of clarity just right. Enjoy the buzz and thanks to the Fast Company Blog for the initial link to site. Some of the generated jargon is just so amazingly true it is like – morphing distributed action-items or leveraging web-enabled infrastructures and reinventing revolutionary users and the list goes on. Generate some words and have some fun incorporating this scaled interactive mindshare with others.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Iron Horse Eatery and Watering Hole 5:00PM
The Public Sector Facilities Council (IFMA) – Gathers Together Locally
If you are a member of the PSFC you are invited to attend a gathering (and even if your are not a member and just interested in the PSFC you are invited to partake in an evening of good conversation and storytelling)
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Kinsmen Clubhouse (Evening Event)
In the spirit of Frosty and to celebrate this season of sharing the IFMA NAC Board invites you to attend (festively free admittance) Festive Frolicking Fun with Frosty at the Edmonton Kinsmen Clubhouse Prizes. Did someone mention prizes? Of course there will be prizes and maybe even the odd present to be found under the tree.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Royal Glenora Club (Lunch Event)
Presentation "Energy Efficiency: Trends, Issues & Technologies" by Simon Knight, Director Climate Change Central (Edmonton)
Energy efficiency is the cheapest form of additional energy. By working towards more efficient use of energy in all of Alberta’s sectors the cost of electricity can be kept at a reasonable rate. This presentation will outline the state of our energy use in Alberta, efficiency efforts already underway, and how it relates to the climate change issue. As facility managers there is a role to play in managing energy use and saving money from facility operations that is tied to a larger picture. Climate Change Central’s Energy Solutions Alberta is interested in working with organizations that can make a difference in reducing the risk associated with this challenging issue. This presentation will help set the stage for a strong working relationship on dealing with climate change through sensible solutions.
Simon Knight is the Director of Energy Solutions Alberta, an initiative of Climate Change Central that focuses on energy efficiency and conservation. Through the creation and management of programs and projects, this group is working to reduce Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Simon is very active in the residential and commercial building sector through his participation in the Net Zero Energy Home Coalition and his most recent appointment as Interim President for the Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Green Building Council. He is also the Alberta representative on the National Council for Energy Efficiency.
Simon had previously worked in the environmental field with the Alberta Government for over 20 years.
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The Editors Note
Here it comes – December that is and maybe even the beauty of pristine winter snows. As always in this fine season please take the time for some reflection on how your past year was and what you are going to do differently in future to make your community an even better place to be.
As members of the board of IFMA NAC we are and continue to be increasing our focus on the key elements of membership, participation, contribution, learning and engagement in our community of practice. We need your input, suggestions, and assistance to make this chapter even better than it already is. This is an open call for you as members of IFMA NAC to make the decision to revitalize, connect and spark the future of facility management with a suggestion, an idea, a future concept that we can present to the world.
If you would like to have your articles or comments presented in the Newsletter please do send me an email at ken.stepan@pwgsc.gc.ca. Many Thanks.
Ken E. Stepan, CFM
The Editor.
Lead where we can ~ follow where we must ~ listen always ~ understand patiently.