Working in groups
Do you enjoy group work, or do you dread it? No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it’s important to recognize that collaborating with others is a key part of many careers. By anticipating potential challenges that may arise in group work and creating strategies to lessen their impact, you can navigate the stresses more effectively.1
Challenges and strategies of group work
| Challenges of group work | Strategies for improving group work |
| Your grade may be dependent on the quality of others’ work. | Divide the assignment into parts, assign everyone a role that plays upon their strengths, and communicate expectations on quality. |
| You have to wait for others to complete their work before you can finish the assignment. | Create clear due dates for your group and monitor everyone’s progress on each of the project components. |
| You have to trust that others will fulfill their commitment to do their part of the assignment. | Create a group Code of Ethics or Shared Expectations document that outlines what each group member agrees to do. |
| Group members don’t show up or do not respond to communication. | Develop guidelines regarding missed meetings or lack of communication and implement consequences. |
Table 57.1 Challenges of and Strategies for Improving Group Work by Baldwin, Amy.1
Specific examples and strategies
For specific examples of group member roles, communication plans, group contracts, and strategies to manage conflict in groups visit Chapter 57: Working in Groups.1
Fillable template
The Template for Working in Groups provides a fillable worksheet that can be used when setting expectations for a group project. You can add, change, and delete information within the template to make sure it works for you.
Need more support?
Online success coaches offer personalized support to help you clarify and achieve your goals, reflect on your habits, and overcome challenges.
Sources
¹ Modern Blueprint for College and Career Success: Chapter 57: Working in Groups