You observe that a colleague always arrives late to a weekly meeting. What would you do?

Question Analysis

This question is a behavioral interview question aimed at assessing your ability to handle workplace dynamics and conflicts. It evaluates your problem-solving skills, interpersonal communication, and professionalism. The interviewer is interested in seeing how you approach a common workplace issue involving a colleague's punctuality, which could affect team productivity and morale. It’s important to demonstrate empathy, understanding, and an ability to take appropriate action.

Answer

To address this situation, I would use the STAR method to structure my response:

• Situation: In our weekly team meetings, I noticed that one of my colleagues consistently arrives late, which often disrupts the flow of the meetings and can lead to repeated information for their benefit.

• Task: I felt it was important to address this issue to ensure our meetings were more productive and respectful of everyone's time.

• Action: I decided to have a private, respectful conversation with my colleague. I approached them after a meeting and expressed my observations, ensuring to communicate from a place of understanding rather than blame. I asked if there were any challenges they were facing that caused them to be late and if there was any way I could assist. I suggested potentially setting a reminder or adjusting their schedule slightly if possible.

• Result: My colleague appreciated the open communication and admitted they were struggling with a personal scheduling conflict. They were able to make adjustments, and as a result, began arriving on time more consistently. This improvement helped enhance the overall efficiency and atmosphere of our meetings.

By addressing the issue thoughtfully and collaboratively, I was able to contribute to a more effective and cohesive team environment.