Group projects are part of student lives. They either teaches a person to be a team player or go to the opposite direction. Personality types matter too when working in groups. Group projects are where the extroverts thrive and the introverts fear. We are now living in a world where extroversion is revered and introversion isn't favored. My aim is to bring an understanding between the two types when working in group projects.
First I will explain basic necessities for running a group project.
Number 1: Setting roles and goals. It is entirely essential to set roles and goals at the early stages of group project to avoid confusion and resentment afterwards. Every group member must know their role exactly and must be willing to do their part. Being organized means having greater efficiency thus better quality group work.
Number 2: Having time cushion at the end of the schedule
It is important to revise and improve on the group work before the due date arrives. It also helps to finish tasks ahead of time just in case if unfortunate event happens.
Number 3: Work load balance
Why is it important? It is important that every group member should know their personal limitations and not carry the weight they can't. Failure to deliver means hindering the group's goals and objectives. One person must not carry every responsibility while the others do only a little. Clarifying the work load balance means having greater transparency and efficiency in group.
Now for the introverts in the group project:
Know that your opinions matter.
Why?
Just because someone speaks up and have the attention doesn't mean that they are always right. Group projects are the area where the risk of Group think occurs. People tend to agree out of their own uncertainty. You must not let your creativity and opinions be drowned out by the surrounding voices and distortions. Remember that most innovative ideas come from inside. You don't have to change the way your brain function to get a long with others. The world needs all thinkers, talkers and doers a like. Thinkers strategize, talkers persuade and doers...they do the job.
Remember that public relations is a profession where you have to be all three. Strategizing, persuading and doing things.
And last of all: Check this amazing Ted talk by Susan Cain. This will bring a greater understanding to yourself if you are an introvert. The extroverts will gain an understanding to the other way of thinking as well.
First I will explain basic necessities for running a group project.
Number 1: Setting roles and goals. It is entirely essential to set roles and goals at the early stages of group project to avoid confusion and resentment afterwards. Every group member must know their role exactly and must be willing to do their part. Being organized means having greater efficiency thus better quality group work.
Number 2: Having time cushion at the end of the schedule
It is important to revise and improve on the group work before the due date arrives. It also helps to finish tasks ahead of time just in case if unfortunate event happens.
Number 3: Work load balance
Why is it important? It is important that every group member should know their personal limitations and not carry the weight they can't. Failure to deliver means hindering the group's goals and objectives. One person must not carry every responsibility while the others do only a little. Clarifying the work load balance means having greater transparency and efficiency in group.
Now for the introverts in the group project:
Know that your opinions matter.
Why?
Just because someone speaks up and have the attention doesn't mean that they are always right. Group projects are the area where the risk of Group think occurs. People tend to agree out of their own uncertainty. You must not let your creativity and opinions be drowned out by the surrounding voices and distortions. Remember that most innovative ideas come from inside. You don't have to change the way your brain function to get a long with others. The world needs all thinkers, talkers and doers a like. Thinkers strategize, talkers persuade and doers...they do the job.
Remember that public relations is a profession where you have to be all three. Strategizing, persuading and doing things.
And last of all: Check this amazing Ted talk by Susan Cain. This will bring a greater understanding to yourself if you are an introvert. The extroverts will gain an understanding to the other way of thinking as well.
Public relations people have two persona's: the extrovert when it matters in facing the media and an organisations public/customers.
ReplyDeleteThe other is the creative strategist that has to take time out to think about how to solve a problem or resolve an issue.
Great article, and one worth sharing with a number of people. Thanks
Great post James. I think the lack of motivation and laziness can override people's skills and capabilities sometimes but can be clear when working with them.
ReplyDeleteYour three necessities summed it up perfectly.