I have a co-worker who always arrives late to a scheduled meeting. What do I do?
Question Analysis
This behavioral interview question is probing how you handle challenges related to teamwork and punctuality. The interviewer is interested in your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and how you maintain professionalism in the face of recurring issues. The question also assesses your capacity to address potentially disruptive behaviors while upholding a positive working relationship with a colleague.
Answer
To effectively address this issue, you can apply the STAR method:
Situation:
In my previous role at XYZ Company, we had a team member, Alex, who frequently arrived late to our weekly project meetings.
Task:
As the project lead, it was my responsibility to ensure that the meetings were productive and all team members were present and contributing from the start.
Action:
I decided to have a private conversation with Alex to address the issue. I approached him after a meeting and asked if there was a convenient time to discuss the matter. During our conversation, I expressed understanding and empathy, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances can occasionally cause delays. I then asked if there was anything specific that was contributing to his consistent tardiness. Alex mentioned that his previous meeting often ran over time, making it difficult for him to be punctual. Together, we brainstormed solutions, such as adjusting the meeting time slightly to better accommodate his schedule or having a brief summary sent to him if he arrived late.
Result:
As a result of our conversation, we adjusted the meeting time by 15 minutes, aligning better with everyone’s schedule. Alex began attending the meetings on time, contributing actively from the beginning. This change improved the overall efficiency of our meetings and strengthened our team dynamics.
By addressing the issue directly and collaboratively, I was able to resolve the punctuality problem while maintaining a positive working relationship with my colleague.