Working in group can be tough - but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got 5 expert tips for group success. Have you ever shown up for a group meeting and no one knew what to do or how to get started?
Expert Tip #1: Everyone needs to be on the same page.
Make sure that you set your goals together! Think about what you need to do right away and what needs to happen by the end of your project. Have you ever felt like you were talking but no one was hearing you?
Expert Tip #2 Figure out how you’re going to talk to each other and how often.
Do you want to use social media? Or your UG emails? Or do you want to text each other? Also - don’t forget to schedule times to meet face-to-face, sometimes that’s the best way to get stuff done! Sometimes it’s hard to get along. Don’t be a Bossy Bobby or a negative Negative Nancy.
Expert Tip #3 Group work means compromise.
Sometimes you’ll need to step up and be a leader and other times you’ll need to step back and listen. If you notice things feel off and maybe people aren’t connecting - try to talk about it! It’s always better to try to solve these problems early! Not everyone can be the group captain! The captain is important, but you need all hands on deck if you don’t want to sink your ship!
Expert Tip #4 Everyone is good at something!
Make sure you figure out who is going to do what. Do you need a captain, facilitator, editor, narrator, presenter, creative talent? Who will do what task – and when will they finish it by? Think your group was a dud or a total success?
Expert Tip #5 Thinking about what went well or didn’t can actually help make your next group experience go better.
You can take some time to figure out what you could do differently by yourself, but you could learn even more if you did this as a group. Take some time to chat with your group about how you can be successful. Being a group can be tough. Take advantage of these expert tips and you’ll be on your way to an amazing group work experience.
Need more help with group work? Check out the free library resources on this topic.
Get help via chat or email via the Library website, phone us at 519-824-4120 ext 53617 or visit the AskUs Desk
