what is it and how to comply with it?

At work, subordination manifests itself in different ways depending on the company structure and goals.

Let’s consider what subordination means in relationships between colleagues at work and what types it has:

• Vertical — describes the relationship between colleagues at different levels, from manager to subordinates.

The basic idea is that tasks and instructions flow from the top down, while reporting and feedback flow from the bottom up. Let’s say a manager sets tasks for the team, and employees report the results.

• Horizontal — is built on the interaction of personnel of the same level or in one department.

What is important here is respect for everyone’s roles and responsibilities so that work can proceed smoothly. For example, employees of the same department exchange ideas and help each other, respecting their areas of responsibility.

• Functional — describes the relationships between people from different departments when working on the same task.

It is important to understand the role of each department in the project and take into account professional boundaries. Let’s say the marketing department works with the sales department, taking into account each other’s experience and tasks.

• Temporary —occurs when an employee is temporarily assigned responsibility for a project or task.

In this case, the team is temporarily subordinate to this designated leader, even if they are equal in position. For example, in a project team, a leader is assigned and the team members follow his instructions until the task is completed.

Each type of chain of command helps employees navigate the work structure, understand how to interact correctly with colleagues and managers, and complete tasks effectively.

How to maintain chain of command at work

1. Clearly assign roles and responsibilities. Each worker understands his area of ​​responsibility and knows who is responsible for what. This helps avoid confusion and improves work efficiency.
2. Keep communication open. It is important that everyone asks questions or gets help, but within their role. Subordinates turn to managers for support, and managers provide clear and honest answers.
3. Follow the rules of communication. Respectful tone and polite treatment are important at all levels – both between colleagues and between subordinates and managers. If a complex issue is being discussed, it is better to do it in person or in a format that is convenient for both parties.
4. Follow the hierarchy in decision making. If a decision requires managerial approval, do not bypass it. For complex questions, it is important to follow the order: first contact your immediate supervisor, and then higher up, if necessary.
5. Respect boundaries of responsibility. Each specialist is responsible for his own tasks and does not interfere in the affairs of others unless necessary. For example, it is better not to give instructions to colleagues from other departments if this is not part of your responsibilities.
6. Learn to accept criticism. If a manager points out mistakes, it is important to take this as an opportunity for improvement. Subordinates provide constructive feedback, but do so in a respectful and understanding manner.
7. Lead by example. Disciplinary leaders show staff the importance of following these principles. A leader’s example often sets the tone for team communication, and this helps maintain respect and order.

Maintaining the chain of command allows you to create a work environment where everyone feels comfortable and confident, knowing how to interact with others and how to respond to any situation.

• Be open and clear.

Explain tasks and goals in simple language so that everyone understands what needs to be achieved. If necessary, clarify the details and do not be afraid to ask again if you see that the employee did not understand something.

• Listen to your employees.

Give subordinates the opportunity to speak up, share ideas and propose solutions. Listening carefully helps create an atmosphere of trust and support where the employee knows that his opinion is important.

• Give constructive feedback.

If something goes wrong, explain how the situation can be improved rather than criticizing the person. Emphasize the employee’s strengths and provide specific recommendations so that he understands how to grow in his work.

• Keep yourself motivated and inspiring.

Show staff you appreciate their work and recognize their achievements. Encourage initiative and thank for contributions so that everyone feels important on the team.

• Show respect.

Treat subordinates politely and respectfully, regardless of their position. Avoid a commanding tone, especially in everyday tasks; It’s better to use requests that create more positive interactions.

• Be available for questions.

Let employees know that they can come to you for help or clarification.

• Resolve conflicts honestly and calmly.

If a controversial situation arises within the team, remain neutral and fair while addressing the issue. Strive for a peaceful solution where those involved in the conflict understand their responsibilities and are willing to improve.

• Be an example for the team.

A leader who follows rules, communicates respectfully, and takes responsibility for his decisions becomes a role model for his subordinates. If you follow your own requirements, it builds trust and creates a more positive atmosphere in the team.

By following these principles, the manager builds relationships in which staff will work with enthusiasm, respect and a desire to develop with the company.

How should employees communicate with each other?

The subordination of subordinates plays an important role in organizing the work process. Good relationships are the basis for successful work and a friendly team.

Here are a few simple rules that will help maintain a good atmosphere in the team:

1. Respect each other. Communicate politely and respectfully, regardless of your colleague’s age, experience, or position. Avoid a rude or dismissive tone – this can offend and ruin the relationship.
2. Be open to help. If one of your colleagues is facing a difficulty, offer your help or advice. Mutual assistance strengthens team spirit and makes communication warm and trusting.
3. Avoid gossip and discussions behind your back. If you have questions or concerns about a colleague’s work, it’s best to discuss it directly and respectfully. Honest communication reduces the risk of conflict and creates a healthy team atmosphere.
4. Respond to requests in a timely and clear manner. If a colleague asks for help or something related to work, try to answer quickly and clearly.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something is unclear in your work, do not hesitate to ask a colleague for advice or help. Questions show interest and a desire to understand, and this is valued in a team.
6. Share ideas and suggestions. If you have ideas that could improve your work, share them with your colleagues. Open discussion of ideas creates an atmosphere of cooperation and helps to find better solutions.
7. Maintain a positive attitude. Try to communicate with colleagues kindly, avoid complaints and negativity. A positive attitude helps you cope with difficult tasks easier and makes your workdays more enjoyable.
8. Respect other people’s time. If you want to discuss something personal or distract a colleague from work, make sure that it is convenient and does not interfere with his task. Respect for other people’s time shows that you value the work of others.

Subordination of employees is an important element of the work process, as it helps maintain order, ensures respect between colleagues and contributes to the effective completion of tasks as a team.

When the rules of subordination are violated, problems arise in the team that interfere with work and worsen the atmosphere.

Employees begin to feel insecure, work progresses more slowly, and relationships within the team become strained.

Insubordination leads to:

• Conflicts in the team.

When staff stop respecting each other’s roles and responsibilities, arguments and resentments arise. This happens especially often if someone bypasses the boss or gives instructions to colleagues without having the authority to do so.

• Loss of respect for leaders.

If subordinates begin to ignore the instructions of their superiors or treat them without respect, it becomes more difficult for the manager to control the situation and make decisions. This undermines his authority and leads to distrust on the part of the team.

• Decreased productivity.

When people are insubordinate, tasks are completed more slowly because everyone is trying to solve them differently. Working without a clear order and rules leads to chaos, which affects deadlines and quality of execution.

• Negative atmosphere in the team.

Insubordination causes people to feel uncomfortable if someone tries to take on a leadership role without the consent of others.

• Errors and misunderstandings.

When employees stop adhering to established rules, they forget about their responsibility and perform other people’s tasks. This often leads to mistakes, as people begin to interfere in matters they do not understand.

• Loss of trust in the team.

If someone does not respect the chain of command, colleagues stop trusting each other and avoid making joint decisions. Trust between employees and managers becomes weaker, which ultimately hurts the team.

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Basic principles of subordination:

• Clear distribution of roles and responsibilities — everyone knows what they are responsible for and who they can turn to for help.
• Respect and communication etiquette – Regardless of position, it is important to respect each other using a polite and friendly tone.
• Maintaining Hierarchy — managers make key decisions, and subordinates receive tasks from them and fulfill their responsibilities.
• Openness and accessibility — the team should have a place for feedback and discussion of issues to avoid misunderstandings.

Maintaining subordination means creating a healthy work environment where everyone feels part of the team, understands their tasks and works at their best. This is an important principle of subordination, which makes the team stronger and helps to achieve high results.