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

Question Analysis

This question assesses your ability to handle team dynamics and interpersonal conflicts professionally. It explores your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and how you maintain productivity and respect within a team. The interviewer is interested in understanding whether you can address sensitive issues effectively without escalating conflict.

Answer

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

Task: My task was to address this issue in a manner that was respectful and constructive, ensuring that the team remained cohesive and productive.

Action: I decided to have a private conversation with the co-worker. I approached them after one of our meetings, expressing my observations and concerns, ensuring to focus on the impact on the team rather than on their behavior. I asked if there were any specific challenges or obstacles causing the delays and offered to help find a solution. Additionally, I suggested that we could adjust the meeting time if it was more convenient for everyone.

Result: The co-worker appreciated the private and considerate approach and shared that they had a scheduling conflict with another responsibility. We then rescheduled the meeting to a time that worked for everyone. As a result, the co-worker began attending meetings on time, and our team's productivity and morale improved significantly. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and flexibility in resolving workplace issues.