Three Things I Learned from Group Work

As soon as term 2 started, I made a decision to become more involved in my group works. It was a challenge for me because I wasn't confident in convincing others with my ideas and supporting reasons. However, I didn't want to waste any more time being silent or ignored. So, I took a proactive stance. At first, I prepared my thoughts and supporting ideas, but there were many times when I couldn't share them due to a lack of confidence. But as time went by, I became more comfortable speaking my mind and persuading my team to follow my lead.
 
Here are three key takeaways that I learned during that time:

1. Be Yourself

You need to listen to your inner voice and figure out what you want. Before starting a group meeting, you should prepare what you are going to suggest. For that, you need to understand the meeting topics ahead of time and guess what you will be discussing. Once you understand the point, think about your ideas and speak your voice. Don't follow others' ideas without any reasons. You need your own voice to show up in front of your teammates.
 

2. Your Idea is Valuable for the Team

Sometimes, you might think your idea is stupid and useless, but it is not true at all. Every idea is valuable if it is supported by strong and reasonable reasons and confidence. Even if your idea is genius, it won't sound convincing to others if you don't have strong supporting ideas. Once you come up with your idea, you can prepare at least two opposing ideas from your teammates. Bring your critical perspective to your idea and prepare how to defend it against the opposing ideas. You need to defend your idea with strong supporting ideas, your confident voice, and attitude.
 

3. Don't Consider People who Oppose Your Idea as Your Enemies

Don't view those who oppose your ideas as enemies, but rather as coworkers with different backgrounds and experiences. It is natural to have different ideas and to argue about them with your teammates. You can realize it is not personal emotion but others' contributions. Take their contributions into consideration, and work together to find the best solution for the team.
 
 
Today, I completed submitting two group assignments. It was a long journey, but it also taught me a lot about working as part of a group. During group work, I had an argument with my teammates, but at the end, I felt they were also contributing to our group and were engaged in the work the most. Having a healthy argument can lead to a great result for the group.