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 and interpersonal skills in a professional setting. It evaluates how you handle situations that involve potential conflict or disruption within a team. The interviewer wants to see if you can address issues diplomatically and maintain team productivity without escalating the situation unnecessarily.

Answer

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

Situation:
In my previous role, I noticed that a coworker was frequently late to our weekly team meetings, which often disrupted the flow of the discussions and delayed our progress.

Task:
I felt it was important to address this issue to ensure that our meetings remained productive and that everyone on the team could contribute fully without repeated interruptions.

Action:
I decided to have a private conversation with the coworker. I approached the situation with empathy and expressed understanding, asking if there was a particular reason for their tardiness. During our discussion, I offered to adjust the meeting schedule if that could help them attend on time or suggested setting reminders. I also emphasized how their presence was valued in the meetings and how their input was integral to our team's success.

Result:
The coworker appreciated my approach and explained that they were having scheduling conflicts. We collectively adjusted the meeting time, which resulted in them consistently arriving on time. This improved our meeting efficiency and reinforced a positive, cooperative team environment.