What would you do if a coworker constantly arrived late to a weekly meeting?

Question Analysis

This question assesses your problem-solving skills, interpersonal communication, and your ability to handle workplace conflicts diplomatically. The interviewer wants to see how you would address a recurring issue with a coworker, focusing on your approach to maintaining a professional work environment and ensuring team productivity. It is important to demonstrate empathy, assertiveness, and a solution-oriented mindset.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, we held weekly team meetings to discuss project updates and address any challenges. I noticed that one of my coworkers, who played a crucial role in the team, was consistently arriving late to these meetings.

Task: As the project coordinator, it was my responsibility to ensure that meetings were productive and that all team members were present to share insights and updates. I needed to address the issue of tardiness without causing any discomfort or conflict while maintaining team morale.

Action: I decided to have a private and informal conversation with my coworker. I approached them after one of the meetings and expressed my observations, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the team discussions. I asked if there were any specific reasons for their tardiness and whether there was anything I could do to help. My goal was to understand their perspective and collaboratively find a solution.

Result: By addressing the issue respectfully and offering support, my coworker appreciated the concern and explained that they were facing a scheduling conflict. We worked together to adjust their schedule slightly, which resolved the issue. As a result, they began attending the meetings on time, and team productivity and collaboration improved. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and empathy in resolving workplace challenges.