let's face it group assignments can be challenging most people find group projects stressful because
their marks are dependent on the performance of their team members as stressful as group projects
may seem learning to collaborate with others is an essential skill not only in college but also
the workplace be ready employers are likely to ask you questions about your ability to
work in teams during the interview process so instead of dreading that upcoming group
project let's look at how we can turn this from a negative to a positive the two key elements of
effective teamwork are excellent communication skills and detailed planning how can your team
improve their communication skills listening to each other's needs each member should express what
they need from the other team members to create a positive and productive work experience creating
and committing to group guidelines and holding each other and yourself accountable being aware
of your own style and how you communicate in the group including the words you use the tone
of your voice and body language being positive and supportive seeking to understand each other
instead of judging or jumping to conclusions communicating through conflict conflict is a
natural part of a team process and should not be avoided take the time to understand each
other's perspectives do not focus on the person focus on the best solution if you cannot resolve
the issue speak to your professor or contact peer connect what steps can your team take to
develop a detailed plan make sure you understand what the project is about ask for help from the
professor if you don't create a detailed work plan with the time line who will do what and
by when work backwards from the due date and make it as detailed as possible create a plan
for how the group will communicate some options include email phone Facebook Google Group and
text-messaging establish a meeting schedule how often will you meet and where and don't
forget plan ahead as life gets busy it takes time and work to become a high-performing team
by focusing on the two key elements we have outlined communications and detailed planning
you'll be well on your way drop by one of our four peer connect centres for more information