Handling group projects

When an instructor assigns a group project, bet your mind heads in one of two directions: (1) “Sweet, I can take the backseat!” or (2) “Crap, I’m going to have to do this all myself.” 

It’s no secret you learn a lot about your team members and their working styles from these projects… kind of like in cheerleading! Here’s how to land the grade you want without getting upset with your group:

1. Pick a captain: A squad can’t get anywhere until the captain rolls out the routine for you to learn. Assign someone to take the lead—maybe it’s you!—who can map out what needs to be done. Also, no one will get anywhere if everyone takes charge at once, so decide early on who should do this to avoid tensions down the road.

2. Set your schedule: Think cheerleaders start prepping the week before a competition? Think again, because the final result takes weeks, if not months, of practice. Make sure to set daily or weekly goals so that you begin the project like champs.

3. Reinforce each other: The success of the cheerleader pyramid rests in everyone’s mutual support. Remove one member and the whole thing falls apart! Check in with each other periodically to make sure all members are on top of their deadlines. That way, nobody has to cover for anybody at the last minute!