What would you do if a coworker constantly arrived late to a weekly meeting?

Question Analysis

This question assesses your ability to handle workplace challenges diplomatically and professionally. It examines your conflict resolution skills, ability to communicate effectively, and your capacity to maintain a positive team environment. The interviewer wants to understand how you would approach a situation where a coworker's behavior could potentially disrupt team dynamics and productivity.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, we held weekly team meetings to discuss project progress and address any issues. I noticed that one of my coworkers consistently arrived late, which was affecting the flow of the meeting and the team's ability to stay on schedule.

Task: I needed to address this issue to ensure that the meetings were effective and that the team maintained a collaborative and respectful environment.

Action: I decided to speak with my coworker privately to understand if there were any underlying reasons for their tardiness. I approached the conversation with empathy, expressing my concern about the impact on the team and offering support if there were any personal or professional challenges they were facing. Together, we explored potential solutions, such as adjusting the meeting time or providing reminders.

Result: As a result of our conversation, my coworker made a concerted effort to arrive on time, which improved the overall efficiency of our meetings. The team appreciated the improved punctuality, and it contributed to a more productive and cohesive working environment.