I am doing a group project for my Psychology 209 class, Fundamentals of Research, and one thing this experience has taught me so far is that working with group members isn’t just about getting things done but being willing to get things done in ways outside your own. This can be a frustrating experience for those who prefer to work alone and have a system in place, like myself.
Adapting to New Challenges
I am a straight-A student and have often earned high marks on my assignments—except for one particular final where I was too burned out and overwhelmed to see it through to the finish line. I got a 92/150 on it, which dropped my grade from an A to an A-.
This current assignment, however, has me working with four peers, and it has been smooth sailing so far with all of us pitching in together. That said, tonight I ran into a bit of irritation when I had planned to take on a task because another member felt unwell. I thought I would be handling it alone until another member unexpectedly offered to help. This member, alongside another, tends to be quieter compared to me and the member who isn’t feeling well. I was a bit surprised they offered assistance.
The Importance of Flexibility
I suddenly found myself irritated when a different suggestion outside my system arose. However, I had to remind myself that this is a group project, which led to an enlightening thought: working with groups isn’t just about getting things done. Beneath the surface, it’s about being willing to adapt and do things differently from your own preferences. For example, I prefer using Microsoft Word and working with established frameworks.
One of my team members suggested using Google Docs and incorporating additional sources into our research project. My original plan was to use the previous sources we found to further build upon. In the end, we went with Google Docs, and I used the earlier sources alongside the idea of finding new ones and replacing the old ones if the new ones were better.
Adjusting to Collaboration Tools
It’s a bit of an adjustment seeing someone edit and delete things I added. However, I remind myself that it’s not a personal attack, nor is this supposed to be a one-person project. This experience is meant to teach us that, in the real world, no matter how efficient you are or how familiar you are with your tools, there will be times when you have to work with someone else’s tools and methods. That’s just part of collaborating with others.
Tips for Succeeding in Group Projects
- Be Open to New Tools: Embrace new tools and be willing to learn new technologies, such as Google Chrome extensions, that can enhance productivity and collaboration. Even if you have a preferred tool, exploring alternatives can improve your adaptability and teamwork.
- Communicate Clearly: Keep communication channels open with your group members. Whether through a group chat, emails, or regular check-ins, discussing expectations and progress helps ensure everyone stays on the same page.
- Be Flexible: Sometimes you have to do things someone else’s way even if you think your way is more efficient. As long as the results are good and the project gets done with minimal stress that’s all that matters.
- Don’t be Afraid: Not all group projects are the same. Sometimes, a group member won’t show up. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your grades and student goals. If communication breaks down, let the teacher know so your grade doesn’t suffer.
- Progress Over Perfection: You can’t always go for perfection you sometimes have to go for progress because perfect grades are often harder to get on group projects over individual projects because you have to make room for other people’s work and ideas.
Final Thoughts
Collaboration requires patience and adaptability. You gain new perspectives and learn to navigate different approaches by working with others. While it can be challenging at times, group projects prepare you for real-world scenarios where teamwork and flexibility are essential skills.
This member is an asset, and I truly value their contributions. Sometimes, the most challenging group projects aren’t the ones where members fail to get along or pull their weight, but the ones where everyone is willing to contribute, and you have to make room for all their ideas and input.
As I write these final words, I can’t help but chuckle at the memory of my last visit with my former advisor and how we ended up talking about group projects. I hadn’t done one since returning to college, and I already knew this class would heavily rely on them. I had slyly mentioned that I wasn’t looking forward to group project-focused classes because, as I put it, ‘I hate people.’
She chuckled with me, knowing it wasn’t entirely true but understanding nonetheless. Working with others can be difficult. Now, I find myself laughing at the fact that I’m actually enjoying my group members, and both group projects—for two different classes—have been efficient and trouble-free. I miss her dearly, as I wrote about here.
The Broke College Student 
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