For introverts, group projects can be daunting—especially since they rarely go the way you plan them. More often than not, there will be differences, delays, and somebody not pulling their weight. And this means that many introverts prefer to work alone,, at our own pace.
While you might be able to say no to group projects in college, this won’t be the case in the real world. Instead, you will have to collaborate with your colleagues, work hand-in-hand with clients, and even take responsibility for others’ work.
Although introverts thrive on our own, being able to collaborate on group projects provides valuable learning opportunities. Here are some key ways that being a team player can hep introverts thrive.
Reduce the Workload
Imagine having to work on a 10,000-word term paper all by yourself. Of course, sometimes it’s good idea to delegate some part of the work, and that’s why WritePaper offer students professional paper help. But you will still have to do your part and put in the hours. However, if the same task is assigned as group work, you will be able to divide the work, which can make the job less demanding.
For instance, as an introvert you might enjoy doing research for a paper, while editing might not be your thing. But there might be someone else in your group that prefers it the other way around. In other words, you will be able to identify your strengths and make the most of them when being a part of a group project.
Gather Different Ideas
The point of group projects is that it enhances learning. In group work, all students are required to offer their perspectives and compare and contrast them in order to come up with the best solution.
This will help you open your mind to other outlooks and learn from them. More often than not, a shared perspective can result in the sharpening of the final outcome of the project. In addition, working with others can help improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Foster Learning
Research finds that students who learn together tend to retain information longer compared to other instructional formats. In other words, you might not remember what your professor taught you in class using presentations. However, when you study the same thing with a group of friends, it might stay with you longer.
In fact, you might have done this yourself by studying with your friends before an exam. Group studies (whether they go as intended or not) are methods that students use to cope with the pressure of exams. It’s been found that study groups help students feel more confident and comfortable about reaching their academic goals.
Combat Procrastination
If you are working alone on a project, you might find yourself procrastinating on the task. You might wait until the last night and end up pulling an all-nighter. But when you are a group project member, you will have to adhere to certain timelines.
This can force you to get things done and pull your weight. You will stay on top of the assignment so that you do not end up in a conflict with other group members.
Learn to Manage Different Personalities
Let’s be honest, your group is not going to be made of only those who you like working with. After all, the professor often makes it a point to mix up students with different perspectives when assigning you to a group. Needless to say, this can lead to challenges, especially if you have loud extroverted personalities in the group.
Navigating these challenges can improve your people management skills as an introvert.
This is an essential trait that you will require in the future—not only in your workplace but also in real life. Group projects will help you hone your communication and collaborative skills by learning to work with competing personalities.
Deal with Conflicts
When different people come together, it might lead to conflicts. Sometimes, you might feel that you are carrying the weight of the team. On top of this, there would be clashing ideas, timetables, and opinions, which can undermine your group’s productivity.
Some conflicts can be helpful; for instance, different opinions on the subject can lead to figuring out a way to handle the project. However, some conflicts can be unhealthy when it becomes personal or aggressive. If this happens, it is crucial for someone in the group to attempt to bring everyone to the table and make way for resolutions.
Sometimes, you might have to vote as a group in order to move forward. These can be useful learning experiences and can help bolster your negotiation skills. You might even be able to refer back to these incidents when interviewing for a job.
Opportunity to Network
With online learning and COVID-19 protocols, students don’t always get the chance to get together as before. Being assigned to a group is also an opportunity to make new friends as an introvert. You will find common interests or get a chance to explore a new approach to learning that you had not attempted before.
And who knows, by the end of it, you might even become close friends with some of them and plan a Christmas party together. This can turn out to be a good thing, particularly for introverts, who might hesitate to mingle with others on their own. A group study can force you to make the most of your college experience, which otherwise, you might not take the initiative to do.
Each of your group members can turn out to be a valuable contact. And there is no need to emphasize the importance of contacts in this world.
Break the Monotony
Studying alone for long periods of time can be monotonous. Of course,introverts often prefer to study alone, but this isn’t always the case, especially if the subject you are dealing with is tedious.
A group project can help you break the monotony and make the process more enjoyable. When you are working alone, the project might seem like an insurmountable hill. A group session can be a real boost, as members can encourage and support each other.
How to be an Good Group Member
All that being said, working in a group can turn out to be a challenge. If you are wondering how you can be a valuable member of your group, here are some points to remember:
- Be honest about your abilities and weaknesses
- Stick to deadlines and complete the tasks as required
- Do not hesitate to participate in discussions and raise your opinions
- Know that you are accountable for doing your part
As you can see, group projects need not be as horrific as they are portrayed to be if everyone is respectful to others. The main objective of group projects is to foster collaboration.
Key Takeaway
In essence, you need not always look at the benefits of group work as something quantifiable as test scores. Instead, the main reason why professors assign group work is to encourage cooperative learning. In the process, you will also acquire skills that can easily be transferred to other situations in your life.
