Ugg. Another group project.
Aside from the drain that group project work puts on introverts (or, in Myer-Briggs’ nomenclature, those INTJs like me), group projects can be awful. It is practically professional suicide to suggest that you hate group projects and that, more over, they aren’t the most efficient and effective way to complete projects. But sometimes they just aren’t.
I’ve been lucky to be on some great group projects — but I’ve been on some painful stinkers, too.
Group projects that are painful have specific characteristics, including
- Poor attendance
- Stressful environment
- Revisiting decisions that have already been made
- Lack of accountability
- Lack of commitment to the goal
As horrible as it is to live through a team like this, it is made worse by the reliance on technology to enable virtual teams. I had a bad experience recently on a school project, where my two partners in crime (very nice, smart young men), were not good collaborators. (And they are supposed to be the teamwork generation!) They didn’t listen to directions provided in class, so they had no idea what the assignment was and when it was due. After a week or two I started every meeting reviewing our deliverable and deadline. And when I say “started every meeting” I mean texting.
The two team members suggested we Skype, and then one’s computer wasn’t up to it so “Skyping” became a “group chat.” Group chat is mighty convenient, but it is not the way to develop a good design together. Furthermore, there was no agreement on goals…. It often seemed like three people developing their own products and gluing them together like a very deformed Mr. Potato-head.
I’ve been blessed with a few awesome teams, too. And those are truly a wonderful experience, even for INTJs. Super smart people, all hard workers, and all respectful of what the others bring to the table. Group responsibility and individual accountability. Allowing experts to own decisions, but encouraging challenges and discussion.
Bad teams should be put out of their misery. They are worse than no collaboration at all.
Good teams can take on the world.