Tips to Ace Your Next Group Project
/The time has come, you’ve been assigned a group project. Your anxiety is kicking in, your thoughts are spinning and your heart is racing. You may be wondering “Why me?” or “Is there even the slightest possibility I can opt in for a solo project” While group projects can definitely take more time and consideration, they don’t have to be stressful and trigger a mini internal meltdown. Here are some tips to help you survive your group project whether it’s at school, for an internship or job.
Tip 1: Redirect your thoughts and change your attitude!
Team building and collaboration is often the way of life. At some point in time you’re going to have to be a team player and work with others. If you can’t change your circumstances change your thoughts about them. When you enter into a group project with a negative mindset, negative actions can follow even if that’s not your intention. Nonverbal forms of communication are just as important as verbal and if your face says you truly don’t want to be there most times your group members can tell. Going into the group project with a positive mindset wont only help you feel better but also encourage the people around you, good energy is contagious.
Tip 2: Have a group outline in writing
Most people don’t like group projects because a majority of the work can end up being placed on one person or a select few, group members cancel last minute or are unavailable for scheduled meetings, and the many different personalities and communication styles. A group outline is basically the foundation for how the group should function and should be constructed by the group within the first one or two group meetings. A group outline should contain the names of the members in the group and what exactly each person will be responsible for.
A group outline should also have deadlines and what happens if a group member misses a deadline. That way not only do you have a schedule to follow but a method in writing for how you should handle missed deadlines going forward. Once you have who’s responsible for what, deadlines established, and what happens if a deadline is missed, you should create a meeting frequency schedule. This should include how many times you plan to meet as a group, the dates and times you plan to meet and if the meetings will be in person or digitally. You should also have in place what happens if a group member misses multiple meetings.
Tip 3: Be flexible
Sometimes things happen that are completely out of anyone’s control. If a group member can’t make one physical meeting no need to go up in flames, instead see if they would be open to a phone call or video chat within the following days so they can be updated. Being flexible and understanding allows the group the function though unexpected circumstances and not get too far off track.
Tip 4: Keep it cute!
Lastly, it’s important to note the main focus of the group should be the project and not personal differences. Sometimes no matter how positive your mindset is going into a group project the chemistry between you and your partner or partners just might not be there. Try to remain professional at all times are remember this project is temporary. Keep the main objective in mind and try not to take anything too personal.
