What would you do if a coworker constantly arrived late to a weekly meeting?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, conflict resolution abilities, and how you handle workplace challenges. It specifically examines how you balance professionalism and empathy while maintaining team productivity. The interviewer is interested in your approach to addressing issues with a colleague in a constructive manner.

Answer

To effectively answer this question, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

Situation:
In my previous role, we had a weekly team meeting that was crucial for coordinating our projects. However, I noticed that one of my coworkers frequently arrived late, which sometimes disrupted the flow of the meeting.

Task:
I recognized the need to address this issue to ensure the meeting remained productive and that all team members were fully engaged from the start.

Action:
I decided to approach my coworker in a private and respectful manner. I started by acknowledging their contributions to the team and then gently mentioned the pattern of arriving late to our meetings. I asked if there were any challenges they were facing that might be causing the delay. This opened up a dialogue, and my coworker mentioned they had a scheduling conflict with another meeting that ended just before ours. Together, we explored potential solutions, including adjusting the start time of our meeting slightly or speaking with their other team to adjust the schedule.

Result:
As a result of our conversation, we were able to adjust the start time of our meeting by 15 minutes, which accommodated my coworker's schedule without impacting others. This change led to improved punctuality, and the meetings became more efficient and productive. Additionally, it reinforced a culture of open communication and cooperation within the team.