Have you ever had a co-worker who is always late to a scheduled meeting? What do you do in this situation?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess your interpersonal and problem-solving skills, particularly in a professional setting. The interviewer is interested in your ability to handle situations where a team member's behavior might disrupt group dynamics or workflow. It also tests your communication skills, patience, and ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Your response should demonstrate your ability to address issues constructively and maintain professionalism.

Answer

Situation: In a previous role as a project manager, I noticed that one of my co-workers was consistently late to our weekly team meetings. This was causing delays and affecting the team's productivity.

Task: As the project manager, it was my responsibility to ensure that the meetings ran smoothly and that all team members were punctual and engaged.

Action: I decided to address the issue directly but diplomatically. I scheduled a private conversation with my co-worker to discuss the situation. I expressed understanding of potential personal or professional challenges they might be facing and inquired if there was any way I could assist in accommodating their schedule. Additionally, I suggested some strategies, like setting reminders or adjusting their calendar, to help them manage their time better.

Result: The co-worker appreciated the private, supportive approach and admitted that they had been struggling with time management due to an increased workload. We worked together to adjust their responsibilities and set up a shared calendar to better align their tasks. As a result, they started attending meetings on time, and the team's productivity improved as meetings became more efficient and focused.