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

Question Analysis

This question assesses your ability to handle situations involving team dynamics and punctuality issues. It evaluates your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and how you maintain professionalism in the workplace. The interviewer is interested in seeing how you would approach a situation where a colleague's behavior could potentially disrupt productivity and team morale.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, our team held weekly meetings to discuss project progress and address any challenges. I noticed that one of my coworkers, who was crucial to these discussions, consistently arrived late, which affected the flow of the meeting and delayed decision-making.

Task: My task was to address this issue in a manner that maintained a positive working relationship while ensuring the team continued to function efficiently.

Action: I decided to speak to my coworker privately to understand the reason behind their tardiness. I approached the conversation with empathy and openness, expressing the impact of their late arrivals on the team’s productivity. During our discussion, they revealed that their previous meeting often ran over time. We discussed possible solutions, such as adjusting meeting times or setting reminders, to help them manage their schedule better.

Result: The outcome was positive. My coworker appreciated the private and understanding approach. They were able to adjust their schedule, and their punctuality improved significantly. This not only enhanced our meeting efficiency but also strengthened team collaboration and morale.