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 interpersonal and conflict resolution skills in a workplace setting. It focuses on how you handle situations that require a balance between professionalism and assertiveness. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you would manage a recurring issue that could affect team dynamics and productivity, without causing friction or escalating the situation unnecessarily.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role at XYZ Company, I noticed that a colleague consistently arrived late to our weekly team meetings, which affected the flow and productivity of our discussions.

Task: I realized it was important to address this issue to maintain the effectiveness of our meetings and ensure everyone's input was valued.

Action: I decided to approach the situation diplomatically. First, I had a private conversation with my colleague, expressing my understanding that schedules can be hectic. I asked if there were any specific reasons for the tardiness, as this might help us find a solution together. Additionally, I suggested we could adjust the meeting time if it was more convenient for everyone involved.

Result: My colleague appreciated my approach and shared that they had a standing commitment right before our meetings. After discussing with the team, we agreed to move the meeting back by 15 minutes, which resolved the issue. From then on, my colleague attended on time, and our meetings became more productive and cohesive. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration in resolving workplace challenges.