I have a co-worker who always arrives late to a scheduled meeting. What do I do?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to handle workplace conflicts. It taps into your capacity to address issues professionally while maintaining a positive work environment. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your ability to handle delicate situations with tact and diplomacy. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method can effectively demonstrate your approach to resolving this issue.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I noticed that one of my team members consistently arrived late to our weekly meetings. This was affecting the team's ability to discuss important topics thoroughly within the allotted time.

Task: I felt it was my responsibility to address this issue to ensure that our meetings were productive and that the team could work efficiently together.

Action: I decided to have a private conversation with my colleague. I approached the situation with empathy, understanding that there might be valid reasons for their tardiness. I spoke to them after a meeting and calmly explained how their late arrivals impacted the team's productivity. I asked if there was a specific reason for their tardiness and offered to help find a solution, such as adjusting the meeting times if necessary.

Result: My colleague appreciated that I approached them privately and acknowledged the impact of their actions. They explained that they had a scheduling conflict and were grateful for the opportunity to discuss it. We collaboratively adjusted the meeting time slightly, which allowed them to attend on time without further conflicts. This improved team dynamics and ensured all meetings were more effective going forward.