Final answer:
When being late due to traffic, a professional approach is to communicate with your manager, accept feedback, and find ways to improve punctuality. It is essential to plan your route and leave early to prevent tardiness, and consider researching traffic patterns or requesting a shift change to mitigate such issues in the future.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with the dilemma of being late to a shift due to heavy traffic, multiple approaches can be considered. Firstly, it is important to show up on time and demonstrate a strong work ethic by arriving for your designated shifts as planned. If unexpected traffic issues arise, communicating with your manager and seeking understanding for the situation while still accepting potential coaching for improvement is a balanced and professional response. It is also wise to plan your route and leave early enough to accommodate for possible delays, learning from previous experiences as seen when a coworker's incident prompts you to adjust your departure time.
It is crucial to maintain a professional demeanor, attending your shift regularly and punctually, respecting authority, and providing excellent customer service. Researching traffic patterns and considering alternatives such as a shift change request can also be a proactive measure to prevent future tardiness. Employers value initiative and the ability to solve problems independently while also respecting workplace culture and protocol. Planning ahead and preparing for unforeseen commuting issues could spare you and your team from disruption and stress.