Eleanor Finch
In the workplace, a subordinate is an employee who ranks below another employee within the corporate hierarchy. The specific roles and responsibilities of a subordinate depend on their level, industry, and business. Supervisors are responsible for managing their team's progress and maintaining a positive environment, striving to be effective employees, and acting as examples of professional behaviour. Professionalism in the workplace can increase morale, and employees should always find examples of professionalism in their superiors. Examples of professionalism include arriving at work on time, following the dress code, and refraining from gossip. Supervisors should give concrete examples of an employee's behaviour that constitutes a poor attitude and focus on objective observations rather than subjective interpretations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Respectful | Respect |
| Helpful | Helpfulness |
| Positive | Positivity |
| Proactive | Proactivity |
| Solution-oriented | Constructiveness |
| Innovative | Innovation |
| Committed | Commitment |
| Ethical | Ethics |
| Reliable | Reliability |
| Adaptable | Adaptability |
| Good communicator | Effective communication |
| Time manager | Time management |
| Well-presented | Professional image |
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What You'll Learn
- Professionalism is about giving your best and being mindful of how your behaviour is perceived by others
- Treat colleagues and clients with respect and maintain a respectful attitude beyond just customers and managers
- Be honest and act openly. Never share confidential information and report any conflicts of interest
- Maintain a clean and neat appearance that makes a positive impression on clients and coworkers
- Focus on objective observations of behaviour instead of subjective interpretations of a person's attitude
Professionalism is about giving your best and being mindful of how your behaviour is perceived by others
A subordinate is an employee who is not of management level and responds to a manager or group of managers. They are in a secondary rank and rely on their supervisor for direction, leadership and feedback. As a subordinate, you can demonstrate professionalism by arriving at work on time or early, following the dress code, and refraining from gossip. Being punctual shows commitment, respect, and reliability. It is also important to be mindful of your nonverbal cues during staff meetings, as these can give the impression that you are dissatisfied with your job or colleagues.
Supervisors should also demonstrate professional behaviour in the workplace. They are the most visible example of professional behaviour and should set the standard for their employees. For example, if you insist that customers are greeted with a smile, you should ensure that you are exhibiting this behaviour at every opportunity. Supervisors should also strive to be effective employees, which can bring benefits to their professional life and the company.
In both roles, it is important to be mindful of how your behaviour is perceived by others. For example, a pharmacy technician maintains a positive attitude, even when busy, which helps create a smoother experience for customers and improves satisfaction and efficiency. In healthcare, a professional attitude is essential in high-pressure environments, as it can influence team morale and patient experiences.
Overall, professionalism is about giving your best and being mindful of how your behaviour is perceived by others. This includes being punctual, dressing appropriately, maintaining a positive attitude, and setting a good example for those around you. By demonstrating these behaviours, you can earn the respect of your colleagues and supervisors and contribute to a positive and effective workplace.
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Treat colleagues and clients with respect and maintain a respectful attitude beyond just customers and managers
Respect is a key component of professionalism in the workplace. While the term "subordinate" is often avoided by modern companies due to its negative connotations, the fact remains that there are different levels of employees in a corporate hierarchy. Managers and supervisors play a crucial role in fostering a respectful and positive work environment. They should lead by example, demonstrating the behaviours they want their employees to emulate, such as greeting customers with a smile or adhering to the dress code.
When discussing attitude and behaviour with employees, it's important to do so in a private and comfortable setting. This conversation should focus on concrete examples of the employee's behaviour and its impact on their performance and that of their colleagues. Supervisors should express their willingness to help the employee improve and encourage them to identify ways to project a positive image.
Professionalism in the workplace encompasses various aspects, including punctuality, appearance, communication, and workplace etiquette. Arriving on time or early shows respect for colleagues and clients, and in certain industries, like healthcare, it can directly impact patient care and workflow efficiency. Appearance and adhering to a dress code are also important, as they can influence workplace credibility and, in some cases, patient safety.
Communication and workplace etiquette are essential components of professionalism. This includes using polite language, such as "please" and "thank you," and maintaining a calm and respectful attitude, even in tense situations. Gossip and personal opinions should be avoided, especially in industries like healthcare, where providing accurate and expert guidance is crucial.
Professionalism also involves setting clear boundaries, maintaining composure, and demonstrating empathy. This is particularly important in high-pressure environments, where a positive attitude can influence team morale. Respectful and professional behaviour should extend beyond just customers and managers, encompassing colleagues, co-workers, and subordinates. Supervisors should strive to create a positive work environment and provide direction, leadership, and feedback to their team members.
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Be honest and act openly. Never share confidential information and report any conflicts of interest
Being honest and acting openly are key aspects of professionalism in the workplace. This includes being honest about your skills and contributions to your workplace and being open to learning about your role and place within the company. Being honest and open also means giving and receiving feedback in a constructive manner. When discussing an employee's workplace attitude, it is important to do so in a private setting to avoid an accusatory tone and to ensure the employee feels comfortable. Give concrete examples of behaviours that lead you to believe the employee has a bad attitude, and focus on objective observations rather than subjective interpretations.
Confidential information should be handled ethically and with integrity. Confidentiality may be required by company policies, and it is important to adhere to these policies to maintain professionalism. Confidential information should not be used for personal gain, as this is a huge conflict of interest and can lead to legal ramifications and job loss.
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests, such as family, friendships, financial, or social factors, compromise their judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace. Conflicts of interest can have legal ramifications and should be disclosed and addressed openly. Disclosure allows others to evaluate the matter and make decisions, rather than creating an ethical or legal situation.
In the case of subordinates, who are employees of a lower-ranking level, it is important to respect their privacy and not share confidential information about them without their consent. When managing a subordinate's behaviour, focus on facts and concrete examples, rather than personal interpretations. It is the responsibility of supervisors to lead and help develop the skills of subordinates, and this includes encouraging improvement and offering support.
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Maintain a clean and neat appearance that makes a positive impression on clients and coworkers
Maintaining a clean and neat appearance is essential for making a positive impression on clients and coworkers. This is especially important in client-facing roles, where your appearance and demeanor directly impact the company's reputation and client satisfaction. Here are some ways to ensure you're presenting yourself in the best light:
Adhere to the Dress Code
Follow the company's dress code guidelines. Ensure your attire is clean, well-maintained, and appropriate for your workplace. This demonstrates respect for your colleagues and clients and showcases professionalism. For example, in a business setting, this might mean wearing a suit, while in a healthcare setting, it could involve wearing scrubs and following safety protocols such as keeping hair tied back.
Practice Good Hygiene and Grooming
Pay attention to your personal hygiene and grooming. Iron your clothes, polish your shoes, and maintain good personal hygiene. This conveys professionalism and gives clients and coworkers a positive impression of your attention to detail.
Prioritize Safety
In certain industries, such as healthcare, safety is a core pillar of professionalism. Follow safety protocols and infection control measures to protect yourself, your colleagues, and your clients. This could include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks or hair coverings, to prevent contamination or the spread of infections.
Be Tactful and Polite
While appearance is important, it's also crucial to be mindful of your demeanor and attitude. Remain polite and well-spoken when interacting with clients and coworkers. Even in tense situations, keep a calm and respectful tone. This helps to foster a positive work environment and leaves a good impression on those around you.
Seek Feedback and Improvement
If you're unsure about the company's dress code or professional appearance standards, don't hesitate to seek feedback from your supervisors or colleagues. They can provide guidance and help you understand the company's expectations. Additionally, regularly seek feedback on your overall professional behavior to identify areas for improvement and enhance your positive impression on others.
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Focus on objective observations of behaviour instead of subjective interpretations of a person's attitude
When discussing attitude with a subordinate, it is important to focus on objective observations of behaviour instead of subjective interpretations of a person's attitude. This means concentrating on facts and concrete examples of behaviour that indicate a negative attitude, rather than personal perceptions.
For instance, a manager may observe non-verbal cues from an employee during meetings that suggest dissatisfaction with their job or colleagues. This could include behaviours such as failing to acknowledge mistakes, always making excuses, or acting as if they already know everything. These behaviours can then be addressed directly with the employee in a private setting, preferably on neutral ground, to avoid an accusatory tone.
It is also important to clarify expectations for appropriate workplace behaviour and to seek buy-in from the employee. This may involve explaining the company's philosophy and values, especially to new employees, and emphasising the importance of being a good team player and role model for co-workers. Supervisors should lead by example, demonstrating the behaviours they want their employees to emulate, such as punctuality, adhering to dress codes, and refraining from gossip.
Additionally, it is beneficial to provide employees with resources and feedback on professionalism. This can include sending articles, memos, or reminders about professional behaviour and giving regular feedback to help employees improve. If an employee continues to display unprofessional behaviour, it is important to meet privately and put concerns in writing.
By focusing on objective observations of behaviour and providing clear guidance and support, supervisors can effectively address attitude issues with subordinates and promote a positive and professional work environment.
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Frequently asked questions
A professional attitude is a positive and proactive mindset that guides an individual's actions, decisions, and interactions within a work environment. It involves demonstrating respect, courtesy, and helpfulness towards colleagues, clients, and customers. It also includes dressing appropriately for the workplace, using formal and respectful language, and focusing on solutions rather than problems.
Subordinates can exhibit a professional attitude by being respectful and courteous to their colleagues and supervisors. They should also be committed to their role and the organisation, demonstrating dedication and a willingness to go above and beyond. Additionally, they should maintain a solution-oriented approach, be proactive in the face of challenges, and be open to trying new approaches.
A professional attitude can help earn the respect of colleagues and supervisors, leading to career advancement opportunities. It contributes to a positive work environment, enhances workplace productivity and effectiveness, and fosters a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. A professional attitude can also improve an individual's professional image, impacting their interactions with clients and customers.
