What would do do if a co-worker consistently shows up late to scheduled meetings?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle situations involving team dynamics and punctuality. It evaluates your problem-solving skills, communication ability, and how you maintain professionalism in potentially awkward situations. The interviewer is looking for evidence that you can handle interpersonal conflicts constructively and support a positive team environment.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I noticed that a co-worker was consistently arriving late to our weekly project meetings.

Task: I needed to address this issue to ensure our meetings started on time and that every team member was equally contributing to our discussions.

Action: I decided to approach this matter delicately. I scheduled a private conversation with the co-worker and expressed my observations. I ensured to communicate that the intention was to support their involvement and not to single them out. I asked if there were any obstacles preventing them from arriving on time and offered to adjust the meeting schedule if it was a matter of time conflict. Additionally, I suggested setting reminders or alarms as a practical solution.

Result: The co-worker appreciated the open conversation and explained that overlapping commitments were causing the delays. We adjusted the meeting time slightly, which resolved the issue. As a result, the punctuality improved, meetings started promptly, and our team maintained a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.