You observe that a colleague always arrives late to a weekly meeting. What would you do?
Question Analysis
This question assesses your ability to handle workplace issues, particularly when it involves a colleague's behavior that affects team dynamics. The interviewer is interested in understanding your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and professionalism. They want to see if you can address the issue diplomatically while maintaining a positive work environment. It's a behavioral question, so using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method can provide a structured and effective response.
Answer
Situation: During our weekly team meetings, I noticed that one of my colleagues consistently arrived late, which often disrupted the flow of the meeting and delayed our progress.
Task: I felt it was important to address the issue to ensure that our meetings remained efficient and productive. My goal was to approach my colleague in a respectful manner and understand the reasons behind their tardiness.
Action: I decided to have a private and empathetic conversation with my colleague. I approached them after one of the meetings and expressed my observation in a non-confrontational way. I said, "I've noticed that you often arrive late to our meetings. Is there something on your schedule that we might need to consider?" This opened up a dialogue where they felt comfortable sharing that they had overlapping commitments.
Result: As a result of our conversation, we collectively decided to adjust the meeting time to better accommodate everyone's schedules. This change not only resolved the issue of tardiness but also fostered a more inclusive team environment, where everyone felt their time was respected. The meetings became more efficient, and team morale improved.