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