Have you ever had a co-worker who is always late to a scheduled meeting? What do you do in this situation?

Question Analysis

This behavioral interview question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and how you handle workplace challenges. The interviewer is interested in understanding your approach to dealing with a recurring issue, especially when it involves a colleague's behavior. This question also seeks to evaluate your ability to maintain professionalism and collaborate effectively within a team.

Answer

Situation: In a previous role, I worked on a project where one of my colleagues was consistently late to our weekly team meetings. This was affecting our team's productivity as we often had to repeat information and adjust timelines.

Task: As a team member who values efficiency and collaboration, I felt it was important to address this issue to ensure our meetings were as productive as possible and to maintain a positive team dynamic.

Action: I decided to have a private, one-on-one conversation with my colleague. I approached the situation with empathy and openness, expressing that I had noticed they were often late and asked if there was anything I could do to help. I learned that they had overlapping commitments and were struggling to manage their schedule. Together, we brainstormed solutions, including adjusting the meeting time or setting reminders to manage their schedule more effectively.

Result: As a result of our conversation, my colleague became more punctual, and the team meetings became more efficient. This not only improved the team's productivity but also strengthened our working relationship, as my colleague appreciated the support and understanding.