Maybe you were required to take this class for your major. Maybe you didn’t read the syllabus carefully enough. Maybe it was a surprise midterms or finals week assignment given by your professor. Whatever the scenario is, we’ve all been in this situation: a nightmare group project that you’d much rather do by yourself.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your learning style), group projects are just a part of life. They’re an important part of college, but in your career, it’s likely that you’ll have to work with other people. Group projects in school can be great preparation for a lifetime of communication and compromization skills.
Still, we’ve all been in a group project where your partner is an absolute nightmare. Whether your partner is rude and standoffish or they just don’t do any work, it can feel impossible to work with them. Sometimes you don’t have a choice, but there are ways to still do well on the project despite a less-than-ideal partner. Here are a few tips on getting through your next group project.
- Talk to your professor.
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True, some professors will make you work in an assigned group no matter what, but it never hurts to ask (politely!). Some professors may let you switch partners or complete a project alone. If they don’t, you could ask them for tips on working in a group. Being in communication with your professor from the beginning is helpful so that they see your efforts throughout the project.
- Get to know your partner.
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Sure, maybe your project partner is lazy and rude, but maybe they’re just shy. Spending just a few minutes getting to know your partner can help you be more comfortable with each other, which makes a big difference when it comes to completing work. It’s also a great way to compare your strengths — maybe they love taking notes and you love designing PowerPoints.
- Be open and communicate.
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If your partner is doing something that frustrates you, don’t be afraid to bring it up to them. Be kind but firm when you talk to them. A simple “Hey, I’d love some more help on this section of the project” can usually help your partner get the hint that you need them to be more engaged. You can even use a content management system like Trello or Asana to track progress and assign specific parts of the project to each member. Having it written down will ensure everyone is expected to pull their weight equally — and you’ll have an indisputable, visual way to see when they aren’t.
- Be honest on your ratings.
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Many projects will require you to grade your group members anonymously at the end of a project. If your partner was an absolute nightmare, you can rate them accordingly. If your project doesn’t offer this opportunity, you can email your professor. Even if the project is over, it can be helpful for your professor to know the good and bad aspects of their projects.
- Remember the benefits of group projects.
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Even though they aren’t everyone’s favorite type of assignment, group projects have plenty of benefits. Working with others is a great way to hone your problem-solving, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills. The truth is that you’ll be dealing with difficult people for your entire life, so even if a group project feels awful in the moment, it will likely help you in the long run. Situations like giroup projects can be helpful for developing communication skills with others, according to Therapist Aid. Even the worst group project partners can help you develop necessary skills for life.
Hopefully these tips will help you maintain your sanity during your next group project!