What would do do if a co-worker consistently shows up late to scheduled meetings?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, interpersonal abilities, and how you handle workplace dynamics. It evaluates your approach to addressing team issues and maintaining productivity without causing unnecessary conflict. The interviewer wants to see if you can balance professionalism with empathy, and how you manage situations that could affect team performance.

Answer

When responding to a situation where a co-worker consistently shows up late to scheduled meetings, it's important to approach the issue with a combination of understanding and assertiveness. Here's how I would handle it using the STAR method:

Situation:
In my previous role, I noticed that my co-worker, Alex, was consistently late for our weekly team meetings. This delay was affecting the flow of information and decisions, impacting our project timelines.

Task:
My responsibility was to ensure that the meetings ran smoothly and efficiently, which required all team members to be present and engaged from the start.

Action:
I decided to address the issue directly but empathetically. I approached Alex after a meeting and initiated a private conversation. I expressed understanding by acknowledging that everyone can have occasional scheduling conflicts. I then asked if there were any specific reasons for the tardiness and if there was anything I could do to help. After listening to Alex's perspective, I suggested a few solutions, such as adjusting the meeting time slightly or setting reminders.

Result:
Alex appreciated my understanding and willingness to help. We agreed to try setting reminders, which significantly improved Alex's punctuality. As a result, our meetings became more productive, and the team was able to collaborate more effectively.

By addressing the issue directly and collaboratively, I ensured the team maintained its productivity while also supporting a positive work environment.