Tips for Working on Group Projects

Group projects are designed to help you improve your ability to lead and work as part of a team. But as anyone who has ever worked in a team atmosphere knows, completing a project as a group can be difficult. Every group member has different ideas, temperaments, and schedules. And there's always at least one person who doesn't want to commit to doing the work. You can cope with these difficulties and others by employing some of the group project tips below.

Tips for Working on Group Projects

• If you have the opportunity to choose members for your group, choose carefully and consider everyone's skills and abilities before making your decision.
• Hold a meeting to discuss the project and the desired results in detail before getting started.
• Make assigned tasks and progress reports visible to everyone. This will keep members motivated and on point.
• Make sure that work is equally distributed among the group.
• Make sure that everyone (including yourself) understands their personal responsibility.
• Create an online calendar and task list so that everyone can easily keep check on project progress, important dates, and other essential information.
• Try to meet at a time that is convenient for everyone in the group.
• Create a group communication plan and stick with it.
• Track communications and request that others acknowledge emails and other communications so that nobody can claim later on that they didn’t receive instructions or other information.
• Stay on top of deadlines throughout the project so that the final deadline doesn't create a lot of stress for the group.
• Follow through on your commitments and encourage other people to do the same.

What to Do When You Don't Get Along with Group Members

• Remember that you don't need to like someone to work with them.
• Do not let your differences interfere with the project or your grade. It is not fair to you or the other group members.
• Try to concentrate on what other people are trying to say versus how they are saying it. Some people are naturally abrasive and do not realize the effect it has on others.
• Do not get angry with people who are not following through on commitments. Be the bigger person: find out what the problem is and how you can help.
• Don't sweat the small stuff. It sounds cliche but it is a good motto to employ when working on a group project.
• Try to communicate with the people you are having problems with. Feel free to share your feelings--but do not lose your temper.
• Don't expect other people to change their personality for your benefit. The only behavior that you can control is your own.
• Lead by example. If others see you acting respectably and responsibly, they will be more likely to do the same.
• Consider yourself lucky. The opportunity to work with difficult people in business school will give you the practice you need to deal with difficult co-workers in the post-graduation world.