You have a colleague who is always late to meetings. This is frustrating for you and the rest of the team, as it wastes time, disrupts the agenda, and shows a lack of respect. How can you get them to be on time? Here are some tips to help you deal with this common workplace problem.
The first step is to understand why your colleague is late. Is it because they have too much work, poor time management, personal issues, or simply a bad habit? Try to have a friendly conversation with them and ask them what is going on. Be empathetic and supportive, but also express your concern and explain how their lateness affects you and the team. You may be able to help them find a solution or offer some feedback.
There is a way to address the situation of acknowledging problems, that I learned. Instead of getting on a colleagues case, try providing them their importance to the meeting. Instead of exposing their flaws, which could make things worse depending on their situation, highlighting their value to the meeting's objective could build encouragement to partcipate. Additionally, stopping by their desk prior to pick them up doesn't hurt.
Identifying the cause is really important, and so is the delivery. I feel that items like this are best discussed in a private setting conducive to free discussion. I also suggest linking the cause to an affect felt by others. We all know reality and perception can differ significantly, and sharing the cause and effect from the team's perspective can go a long way in incentivizing your colleague to address the root causes.
The next step is to make sure that your colleague knows what is expected of them when it comes to meetings. Remind them of the meeting schedule, the agenda, and the importance of being punctual. You can also use positive reinforcement and praise them when they are on time or early. Alternatively, you can use negative consequences and hold them accountable for their lateness. For example, you can ask them to apologize to the group, take on extra tasks, or miss out on important information.
Another way to help your colleague be on time is to use technology to your advantage. You can send them reminders, alerts, or notifications before the meeting starts. You can also use online tools like calendars, timers, or apps to help them plan their day and manage their tasks. You can also suggest that they set their clocks or watches ahead by a few minutes to trick themselves into being early.
One of the best ways to influence your colleague's behavior is to be a role model yourself. Show them that you value punctuality and professionalism by being on time or early for every meeting. You can also share your tips and strategies for staying organized and efficient. By setting a good example, you can inspire your colleague to follow suit and improve their performance.
If none of the above tips work, and your colleague continues to be late, you may need to escalate the issue to a higher authority. You can talk to your manager, supervisor, or human resources department and explain the situation. They may be able to intervene and take appropriate action, such as issuing a warning, providing coaching, or imposing sanctions. However, before you do this, make sure that you have tried everything else and that you have documented the problem and its impact.
The last tip is to communicate respectfully with your colleague throughout the process. Don't be rude, aggressive, or passive-aggressive. Don't make jokes, gossip, or complain about them behind their back. Don't ignore, avoid, or exclude them. Instead, be polite, honest, and constructive. Give them feedback, suggestions, and encouragement. Listen to their perspective and acknowledge their efforts. Remember that your goal is to help them be on time, not to make them feel bad or resentful.
Mettre en place un système de rappel une heure avant une réunion puis cinq minutess avant. Ainsi, les oublis sont impossibles.