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

Question Analysis

This question aims to assess your interpersonal and problem-solving skills, particularly in how you handle recurring issues in a professional setting. Behavioral interview questions like this one seek to understand your approach to conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration. The interviewer is interested in how you navigate situations where a team member's behavior might affect team dynamics or productivity. It is important to demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and a proactive approach to addressing the issue.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, I noticed that a co-worker was consistently arriving late to our weekly project meetings. This was beginning to disrupt the flow of our discussions and delay our progress.

Task: I wanted to address the issue in a way that was understanding and supportive, while also ensuring that our team meetings could proceed more smoothly and efficiently.

Action: I decided to have a private conversation with my co-worker. I approached them in a friendly manner after one of our meetings and asked if they had a moment to chat. During our conversation, I expressed that I had noticed their late arrivals and inquired if there was a particular reason for it. I emphasized that our meetings were crucial for keeping everyone aligned and that their input was highly valuable.

I offered to help by suggesting we could adjust the meeting time if it was more convenient for everyone. I also asked if there was anything I could do to assist them in managing their schedule better.

Result: My co-worker appreciated that I approached the situation with understanding rather than judgment. They explained that they had a scheduling conflict with another commitment. As a result, we were able to adjust the meeting time slightly to accommodate their schedule. This change led to improved punctuality and our meetings became more productive with full participation from all team members.