Why You Shouldn’t Describe Subordinates / Employees Like You Own Them
Many managers and leaders may not realize how their language choice can affect the way they communicate about their subordinates. Using possessive language, such as “my team”, “my assistant”, or “my staff”, can imply that subordinates are property or objects that belong to the manager. This can have negative consequences for the work quality, the subordinate engagement and performance, and the perception of the manager by others.
In this article, you will learn how to avoid possessive language when describing subordinates, and how to use respectful and inclusive language instead. You will also discover the benefits of this approach for both you and your subordinates, as well as some tips for better communication that will make you sound like a leader, not a bossy boss.