It has come to that time of the year where we all have to start working on group projects for different classes. As annoying and as frustrating it may seem working with people who you may or may not be familiar with, the work has to get done at the end of the day.
For anyone who is struggling to work in groups, here are my 5 tips on working successfully in a group.
1. Communicate effectively.
The key to any group project is communication. Communicating with everyone in the group helps keeps everyone on the same page. Giving clear and precise instructions is the gold start when you want to get the work done.
2. Make a group Journal.
Keeping a journal is essential because it allows you and everyone is the group to have a record on what you discussed in your last group meeting. It also tells your professor/ instructor that you have evidence of your meetings
3. Establish group roles.
Establishing group roles is very important when it comes to group dynamics. There are 4 main group roles.
Mediator: Person who resolves conflict in the group. Also known as the peace maker.
Facilitator: This person helps engage the topic at hand.
Encourager: Person that makes sure everyone in the group has a chance to talk and also is the person who keeps the group motivated and happy.
Recorder/Reflector: Person who keeps track in the journal of what the group has accomplished during the time they have been together. This is also the person who at the end of the meeting summarizes to everyone what they covered in the meeting so that everyone is on the same track.
When each of the four functional group roles applied you are guaranteed to have a successful group project.
4. Kick out the bad seed.
In most groups projects, there is always that person who keeps on bringing trouble. My advice is to kick them out of the group project and report them to the professor/ instructor. You rather have two or three people who are committed than having one more who is not.
5. Have fun with it.
Although group projects are long and tiring, it's always important to have fun with the people you are working with becasue, you never know, they might be some of your best friends. Enjoy doing the work together as a group becasue, at the end, that sweet A+ will be all yours to enjoy.
