As finals week approaches, it doesn't just mean tests and drinking record amounts of coffee, but the final crunch to get group projects done (or started for some of you).
As a naturally appointed group leader my entire life, I have learned a lot about what this role means. But in a college setting circumstances are even more complicated, as people have different lives, live on or off campus, and have different work ethics.
Here are skills every group leader needs to not only make sure the work gets done, but to motivate and inspire as well:
1. Be Flexible-
Probably the most frustrating aspect of group projects, finding a time that everyone can meet. As the group leader, it's your job to try to be at all the meetings. Be selfish and plan the meetings around your schedule. If they appointed you group leader, you are now the ONLY person who needs to always know what is going on. That being said, this will help when another member can't meet. At least their is one person you always knows what is going on.
That being said, if someone can't meet, that's ok. Don't get on their case about it. College is busy and everyone has a lot going on. Fill them in via email on what they missed and their responsibilities for the next meeting, which they are accountable for. Always hold people accountable, if not, they wont take the delegation seriously.
If you wait to only have group meetings when EVERY MEMBER can meet, you will never meet (trust me). So meet when most of the people can meet and be satisfied with that.
2. Be a smart delegator-
Delegating seems to be the only way to get work done in a group project, especially group papers. But don't put Joe on "Data Analysis" when he clearly indicated (or you used your intuition) that it isn't his strong point. Whether the person tells you or not, it is your responsibility to understand who your group members are and their strengths and weaknesses.
By knowing this, you will be able to delegate to them sections of the project that they will be able to do properly and well, saving you lots of time redoing the whole thing yourself the night before (which I know we have all done before). Not only that, but since they are comfortable with the section you gave them, it will show through their work and they will generally be more motivated to get it done (as opposed to something they hate or don't understand).
3. Focus on the people that are contributing, not those that aren't -
A tip from someone special, this tactic seems to work, even in a group project setting. If someone isn't getting the work done, don't get worked up about it. In the end, it isn't going to change anything.
Instead, lead a discussion with the person in private that might start like this, "Is everything ok? Does the project make sense? You aren't contributing as much as the others members of the group. Is there a part you would be more comfortable/would like doing? Can I help?"
Approaching the person calmly and with an understanding tone is better than attacking them. They may end of coming around once they feel they are being heard or feel that they really are an important part of the group.
4. Plan and Organize your meetings-
Group meetings can turn into a lunch room conversation or a "What do we need to do here?" comment session fast. As the group leader when you first get the project requirements, map out a general timeline of when certain aspects of the project should be completed.
For each individual meeting, make sure you plan ahead:
- What part of the project you will be working on that day?
- Delegation for that meetings tasks
- Send out Outlook Meeting invites- Outlook will send reminders, request each group member respond, and put the meeting on each members Outlook Calendar. A useful tool every group leader should use.
Group meeting are all about using the time wisely, keeping everyone on task and informed. This is your job as a group leader.
5. Stay Positive! You will survive!-
Remember the last time you said, "This is going to kill me"?...
Well, you are still alive and you will be when you are done this group project too. Focusing on all the negatives of a group project will only make things worse, instead take it with a grain of salt and try to find the silver linings.
Does a group member make you laugh when you really need it, but doesn't really contribute to the project? What skills have you been able to develop as a result of being in some tough group situations (patience, organization, working with different personalities)? Have you made a new friend?
Yeah, these all aren't going to help you get the project done and get an "A", but it will alleviate some of the negative thoughts associated with a particular group.
Try to enter each group meeting with the thought, "This is going to be a good meeting, no matter what".
Trust me, 9 times out of 10, it will be. It's all a matter of perspective and your agility in handling the situation.
Being a group leader may seem like a curse, but it is actually a compliment. It means that others automatically, without question, believe you are a leader. Not everyone is born with these innate skills.
So take advantage of all the stress and pain of being a group leader, because it will prepare you for your destined leadership roles in the future.
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