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

Question Analysis

This question is a behavioral interview question that assesses your ability to handle workplace challenges, specifically regarding punctuality and team dynamics. The interviewer wants to understand how you manage difficult situations, maintain professionalism, and uphold team standards. They are interested in your problem-solving skills, communication style, and ability to work collaboratively with others.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role, I noticed that a team member, who was crucial to our projects, frequently arrived late to our weekly meetings. This was impacting the team's ability to start on time and affected our productivity.

Task: I realized that addressing this issue was important to ensure that the team meetings were effective and that everyone's time was respected.

Action: I decided to approach the situation with empathy and professionalism. I spoke to the co-worker privately to understand if there were any underlying reasons for their tardiness. During our conversation, they mentioned that their previous meeting often overran, causing them to be late. Together, we brainstormed possible solutions, such as adjusting the meeting time slightly or setting a reminder to wrap up earlier. I also offered to provide a brief recap of what was missed, which made them feel supported.

Result: As a result of our conversation, my co-worker started arriving on time for meetings. This improved the overall efficiency of our team meetings and strengthened our working relationship. Additionally, the team appreciated the proactive approach, which fostered a more collaborative environment.