If you're anything like me, you've had plenty of negative experiences working in groups or teams and the thought of working with one or two others for a grade is fair game for sending you into a mixed state of equal parts frustration, anxiety and disgust. In fact you may be tempted to give your professor/group leader the side eye.
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While we've all had nightmare situations working in groups, there are plenty of positives in teamwork. And there's always something to take away from the negative experiences. Even if the mention of group work has you dreading it, here are some ways working in groups and teams can actually be rewarding.
1. Communication is more than just speaking your mind
We've all been there: working with other "personalities" can be enough to make someone swear off group work forever. Learning to coordinate with others is less about making your voice heard and more about making sure everyone gets an opportunity to participate. Sometimes the most effective way to lead is helping to build someone else up and giving them the platform to excel.
2. Everyone knows something you don't
Sometimes I find it frustrating when I work with someone who doesn't seem to know something I do or they struggle at something I don't. Instead of feeling as if it's our job to put up with someone because of what they don't know, we should look at others as people with unique talents that we can learn from.
3. Breaking points give you a platform to bounce back
Once in my small group communications course, we reached the point of no return. It wasn't until our professor set us straight that we had to pull together, stop the pettiness and realize we made commitments to the organizations we were collaborating with and we couldn't let them down. Recognizing the bigger picture or goal will help you and your teammates put aside the ego and move forward.
4. You can evaluate your own weaknesses
I know I can be a procrastinator but that becomes even more apparent when working on a presentation with someone that needs to have it done well in advance to prevent an onslaught of anxiety. Even though it can be difficult to have your own weaknesses exposed, it gives you a chance to improve upon them (and learn something from someone who works differently than you).
5. One person can make a difference--many can make a lasting impact
One of the most rewarding group experiences is having the opportunity to work towards a cause. Volunteering towards a cause can require a lot of time and planning, but the reward is greater than any recognition or pat-on-the-back you receive (although it's a plus!). After all the miscommunication and power trips I experienced in my small group course, in the end we pulled through and were able to cook a meal together for our local Ronald McDonald House. Ultimately, it wasn't about what we did, but the fact that many people got to enjoy a meal during a very stressful time that made it all worth it.
6. Learn to delegate
Delegating tasks and responsibilities is still a learning process for me (yup, I'm one of those people who wants to do it all). I think the struggle with this for me comes from being in situations that needed someone to step in when no one else would. Only I never stepped back. When you're in a team, realize everyone has something to give, and they may not be open as to what that is. If someone hasn't pitched in for a role, try giving them some options to help. Sometimes we all need a push for participation.
7. If worse comes to worst--
The team you're a part of now isn't forever. There are just some teams that don't work well together, but in the end it will disband. Before giving it up completely, realize that there are people that are willing to help. Once my instructor realized I wasn't getting the chance to lead in the position I needed to, he left me to address the class and stepped out of the room. As scary as this was, it helped me realize sometimes shifting the normal environment can equal progress for everyone.
8. At its best, a team becomes family
Sometimes a team is just temporary--other times it becomes a choice. For example, I'm involved with the largest student-led service organization, Circle K International, and although it's true we work together, I see my Circle K family as people I genuinely care about and hope to see succeed. In my working environment, I see my colleagues as people I can count on and support personally and professionally, and I know I'll receive the same.
The purpose of a team isn't to torture us when we'd rather not work with others--it's to sharpen us for greater growth and accomplishments.
