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

Question Analysis

This question is assessing your ability to handle interpersonal issues in the workplace, particularly when they affect team dynamics and productivity. It is a behavioral question that requires you to demonstrate how you would address a situation involving a colleague's repeated tardiness. The interviewer is interested in your ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate empathy, and solve problems without escalating conflict.

Answer

Situation: In a previous role, I noticed that a colleague was consistently arriving late to our weekly team meetings. This was becoming a concern as it disrupted the flow of the meetings and occasionally led to information having to be repeated.

Task: My goal was to address the issue in a way that would encourage punctuality without causing embarrassment or tension between us.

Action: I decided to have a private conversation with my colleague. I approached them in a friendly and non-confrontational manner, expressing my understanding and asking if there was a reason for the delays. It turned out they were struggling with overlapping commitments. Together, we brainstormed possible solutions, such as adjusting their schedule or arranging for the meeting to start slightly later if feasible.

Result: As a result of our discussion, my colleague was able to manage their schedule more effectively and began arriving on time for the meetings. This improvement not only helped maintain the meeting schedule but also enhanced overall team collaboration and productivity.