In today’s world, group work is heavily encouraged and is necessary to complete huge tasks that are too much for a single individual to handle. Having every member working in an elaborate chain of command and communication from within huge companies are often necessary to create a well-oiled machine.

Most likely, you’re a high schooler, struggling to get your group together for that five-minute group presentation that’s due on Friday. As anyone will tell you, communication is key. Here are some reminders of the ways you can speak to your team.

1. Create a group chat.
It doesn’t matter where it is, iMessage, Messenger, Google+, Discord, etc. They’re absolutely necessary in order to quickly reply to each other and answer questions important to you. Also, talk to each other so you’re comfortable with working together. You don’t have to share your deepest secrets, just be comfortable enough to ask questions or make jokes.

2. Share a Folder.
In Google Docs, you can create a folder that lets everyone see what you want to show them. You can include anything related to the folder, and it’s organized! On top of that, you don’t have to keep asking everyone for their emails.

3. Set deadlines.
A majority of us tend to procrastinate. Having a time limit will help you pick up the pace. Along with adding pressure, it also allows for priorities to be set. If it’s a huge project that’s due in a month, start cutting it up and assigning dates to it. No more cramming everything into the last week, even when the project seems pretty easy.

4. Assign Tasks.
Figure out who’s going to do what and work together. Everyone should agree with their tasks; don’t force anything onto each other. Ask questions if needed and make sure everyone knows what they’re going to do when you can’t see each other’s faces. Divide and conquer, or whatever other strategies you use.

5. Be a decent person.
There’s nothing more to this except being nice to your group mates and doing your part. Don’t be the person who does everything last minute and doesn’t respond to any of their messages. On the other hand, don’t be the control freak who wants to do everything because you don’t believe in anyone else except yourself. It’s stressful for everyone.

6. Get a Leader.
Have a leader to unite your group, especially if you’re all shy strangers who don’t want to talk to each other. The leader isn’t the one solely responsible for everything that gets done in the group, nor are they the one who decides who does what. They should just be the ones who keep the group moving forward towards the finish line.

I hope this helps with your next group project. Teamwork makes the dream work!

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