What would you do if a co-worker constantly arrives late to a weekly scheduled meeting?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle interpersonal issues in a professional setting, specifically your approach to addressing a co-worker's recurring tardiness. It tests your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and how you maintain a positive work environment. The interviewer is interested in understanding your conflict resolution skills and your ability to influence others positively.

Answer

Situation: In a previous role, I noticed that a colleague was consistently late to our weekly team meetings, which affected our team's ability to start on time and disrupted the flow of our discussions.

Task: As a team member, it was important for me to address this issue in a way that maintained a positive and collaborative team environment, while also ensuring that our meetings were productive and efficient.

Action: I decided to have a private and informal conversation with the colleague. I approached them in a non-confrontational manner, expressing understanding and concern. I mentioned that I noticed they were having difficulty arriving on time and asked if there was anything they needed help with or if there was a specific reason for their tardiness. This opened up a dialogue where the colleague shared that they were struggling with scheduling conflicts due to overlapping responsibilities. Together, we brainstormed solutions, such as adjusting the meeting time slightly or delegating some of their overlapping tasks.

Result: As a result of our conversation, we agreed to shift the meeting start time by 15 minutes, which accommodated everyone's schedule better. This change significantly improved punctuality and allowed our meetings to start on time, ultimately enhancing team productivity and morale. My colleague appreciated the understanding and support, which strengthened our professional relationship.