So many of us are uncomfortable with or dread group projects, but it is really not that bad once you learn how to facilitate a successful one. Working in a group can make a project more creative, more insightful and more thorough than working alone. For a lot of people, knowing how to work in a group can really give them a leg up their career because every firm wants an employee that has that skill, in every department. Here are a few helpful ideas and/or reminders for success.
Act as a team.
Do not act as individuals with similar goals, act a team with one goal.
Establish group rules and norms.
This is important to make sure all members are on the same page. With rules for when you meet and if it is alright to be late or only appropriate to be on time. If some members treat the meeting more socially casual and the rest treat it professionally it could create an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Follow an agenda.
Creating an agenda that all group members can follow throughout the meeting is essential for its efficiency. If there is an agenda it will keep everyone on task so no one's time is wasted.
Equality over superiority.
There should not be a full hierarchy in a group. A leader is appropriate as long as they don't take over or sway others opinions because they are the leader. The leader of the group should act more of a facilitator/equal group member.
Suppress personal goals that do not match group goals.
Do not come into a meeting with your own hidden goals. If they do not match group goals there will be unhealthy clashing. Everyone must agree on goals.
Beware of other group members who have personal goals that do not match group goals.
Being aware of this is extremely helpful in creating and maintaining a cohesive atmosphere.
Give confirming responses.
Make sure your fellow group members are being heard. Piggy-back off their ideas or if you believe there is a better idea, still express something positive about their idea before moving onto your own.
Keep group meeting your first priority while in meeting.
This just means that your main focus while in a meeting is your group. Do not text, be on social media, email, or use phone in general unless it is for group purposes.
Actively listen to what your fellow group members are saying.
Make sure you are actually grasping what they are saying and digesting it.
Conflict is not always a bad thing.
Many see conflict as a disease, but the best groups always run into some conflicts. As long as those conflicts are managed well it can create a much better outcome for the project/goal the group is working toward.
Encourage participation from every member.
When everyone contributes, more ideas are flowing. This will create some amazing ideas for the project and will make every member feel like they are needed and adding to the group.
Pull your weight.
One of the biggest problems I have noticed people have with group projects is that "they end up doing all the work" when they did them in school. Do not be that person that is not contributing equally, do your part.
Stay open-minded.
This is one of the most important qualities in a good group member. Being closed-minded will close a lot of good potential doors for the future for themselves and for the group as a whole. Keeping that open-mind will create an awesome atmosphere from the brainstorming phase to the presentation phase.
Groups are not as scary as they seem in the beginning. They are the reason the world has made so many advances in every field. Do not be afraid for that next group project coming up, use these tips to make something great.
