Describe a time when you missed or were late for a meeting.
- When did it happen?
- What happened?
- Why you missed/were you late for it?
- And explain how you felt about this experience.
Sample 1:- Describe a time when you missed or were late for a meeting.
I arrived late for a project-kick-off meeting at my former place of work in 2020. I was one of the key attendees. The meeting was scheduled to start by 9:30 am, which I was well aware of.
Before the start of the meeting, I went to the site to carry out my day-to-day activities. While on-site, they had a technical problem that I had to rectify so that they could proceed with work.
I was there trying to provide a feasible solution to the issue, forgetting I had a meeting. It was when I finished rectifying the issue that I remembered I was supposed to be at a meeting that started about an hour ago.
I was surprised that no one called my mobile to inform me the meeting had started, it was then I realized I left my phone in my office. I had to rush back to the office and join the meeting halfway.
My turn to speak at the meeting had passed, so when I joined, they had to go back so that I could give my input. I felt very bad and upset with myself because I had to drag the meeting back, which meant we had to spend more time.
I apologized profusely for my lateness and could not forgive myself for a while because our clients were in attendance at the meeting, and I had portrayed myself in a bad light in their presence.
Sample 2:-Describe a time when you missed or were late for a meeting.
The period I came late for a meeting would be in the year 2019 in my previous place of work in Memphis Hospital located in Nigeria. Where I worked as a neuro nurse, so we usually have a monthly meeting to discuss the trending issues facing our care to patients and how to improve on them.
I was sent an invite in my email to attend the meeting, but totally forgot it and got a reminder in my phone that I should be there in the next 15 minutes, to prepare an board public transport, but on reaching the venue, I was already 10 minutes late.
I felt terrible because it made me feel I trivialized the meeting, although apologized to my supervisor and promised her it wouldn’t repeat itself. Also volunteered to take up the next meeting, where I would be the speaker.
Follow-Up Questions
Question 1:- Are you a punctual person?
Answer 1:– Yes, I am a very punctual person. I keep to my schedule a lot, and I avoid being late as much as possible.
Answer 2:- That is an interesting question. As a nurse, I believe one of the principles of being a nurse is punctuality, so I stand by that principle me being punctual.
Question 2:- What excuses do you use when you are late?
Answer 1:– I am a very honest person, so in instances where I arrive late to a place and I need to give a reason, I’ll tell them exactly what happened.
Answer 2:– I am rarely late for work, and when being late, my only excuse would be because of the traffic congestion.
Question 3:- What excuses do people have when they are late?
Answer 1:- The most common excuse people use that I’m aware of is traffic related. Since Lagos is a busy place and the probability that there will be traffic is high. People automatically use that as an excuse.
Answer 2:- Many individuals bring up different excuses which are peculiar. For example, a married person with kids would have the excuse of taking his kids to school. On the other hand a single person without a car can be due to traffic.
Question 4:- Do you think it is important to be on time?
Answer 1:- Yes, it is important to be on time. Not only will people see you as a punctual person, but you’ll also be able to settle down and relax before whatever it is you went for commences.
Answer 2:- I believe it is necessary for individuals to be punctual. It shows the person is disciplined and trustworthy.
Question 5:- Do you think Planning is important for time management?
Answer 1:- Yes, Planning is essential for time management. It helps you prioritize and allot time for your activities.
Answer 2:- I think children should learn time management from an early stage. It is good for character development and furthermore helps to improve society.
Question 6:- Do you think children should learn to manage time?
Answer 1:- Yes, children should be encouraged and shown how to manage their time. This will be beneficial to them as they grow older since it is something they have learned as a child.
Question 7:- How would you teach your children time management?
Answer 1:- There are lots of ways to teach children how to use their time effectively. On my part, I will allocate time to the various activities they do every day. Also ensure they abide by the schedule.
Answer 2:- There are different methods of teaching kids time management; firstly, by drawing up a timetable for the day. Secondly, by rewarding them with gifts if they accomplish their task on time. And lastly, by being a role model to them in managing time.
Question 8:- Do old people and young people similarly manage time?
Answer 1:- In my opinion, old people and young people manage time differently. The younger ones tend to be fast-paced, while the older ones are more likely to take their time to carry out their activities.
Answer 2:- I believe that both age groups are similar in managing time because they both have activities to do in a day.
Question 9:- Do you always avoid being late?
Answer 1:– Yes, I try as much as possible to be punctual every time.
Answer 2:- Yes, I always avoid being late because my arrival time at work is dependent on the departure of the previous person. I always put the person in my shoes.
Question 10:- Why are people often late for meetings or appointments?
Answer 1:- I believe it might be because of an assumption that the meeting will not start at the stipulated time .
Answer 2:- I believe why people are late for meetings would be due to not managing their time; therefore, their activities clash with others. Most adults don’t set up a timetable for this.
Question 11:- Are people in your country often late for meetings?
Answer 1:- In Nigeria, we have what we call African Time. It is assumed that any meeting scheduled for a particular time will most definitely not start until an hour or two hours later. As a result of this assumption, most people often go late to meetings or occasions.
Answer 2:- Yes, in Nigeria, people are always late; it isn’t in their culture to come early for an event.
Question 12:- Do you think people are born with time management skills, or can they develop them?
Answer 1:– I believe time management skill is something you consciously develop. Everyone has the ability to manage time, but if you do not put in the effort to nurture this skill, you will fail at time management.
Answer 2:– I believe that having skills for time management is learned, mostly from childhood.
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