“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.”
Idowu Koyenikan
One thing almost every program has in common is group assignments. Although many people talk about how much they hate group assignments, they’re a great learning opportunity. They simulate what it means to work together which can emulate the same environment as working for a company.
After completing many group projects you may quickly start to recognize the different archetypes of people that you have worked with. IGNITE is here the talk about the seven kinds of students in every group project. You may even be able to find out which type resonates with you.
1. The leader
The leader is easy to spot at the start of the project. They are usually the ones that take charge and begin setting ideas into fruition. Just because they are the leader doesn’t mean they are coming up with all of the ideas, but they will garner the group’s ideas and put them to work.
2. The creative director
From ideas to layout and font styles the creative director, has a vision through it all. They know how to create engaging presentations that are pleasing to the eye.
3. The showstopper
If the question “who’s presenting?” comes up have no fear the showstopper is here! The showstopper is always a great public speaker and has a strong ability to give presentations. Having a showstopper is always a blessing, especially if you don’t like presenting.
4. The speedster
The first ones to create a group chat and a shared document. They are on a tight schedule and are ready to get to work, just make sure the editor can fix their quick mistakes.
5. The editor
Spelling errors? Grammatical errors? The editor is here to fix that! The editor knows their way around creating proper sentences and paragraphs and also has the ability to change sentences to make them sound even better.
6. The follower
Although the follower is not always adding ideas or fixing up grammatical errors they are a significant part of the group. The follower is your go-to person if you need a task done. They are happy to help every step of the way.
7. The slacker
Finally, more often than not you may have the slacker in your group. The slacker misses meetings, doesn’t prepare and sometimes doesn’t show up at all.
The best advice to ensure this character doesn’t show up in your group is to have proper communication and create an inclusive environment for everyone to thrive. It’s not always that the slacker is purposely trying the sabotage the group, they may just need a little encouragement to lead them on their way.
Remember that the whole point of working in a group is to be part of the team, so whoever you are make sure you’re all in it together!
Still have classes online? Here’s how you can tackle long-distance group work.
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