Last week I gave you guys some tips on how to get through group projects that you can read here. Today, I’m going to give a few tips on how to get through the essential meetings you need in order to help make a successful project. If you’re in need of a few tips then this is for you!

Tip #1: Set Boundaries 

Before your first meeting even officially begins, everyone in the group needs to share what they are and are not ok with. They need to share their pet peeves, what is expected from everyone in a group, and a few courtesy/ respectful rules. It’s just important to lay it all out. Some may do this before even meeting, but it’s good to bring it back up as a reminder.

Tip #2: Communicate

Speak up. If there’s something you don’t like or agree with, say something. Not saying anything could cause more harm than good. Your opinion might stop a mistake from happening with the project. Every one needs to be able to communicate respectfully without causing others to feel disrespected. Which brings me to my next point.

Tip #3: Everyone’s Voice Should Be Heard

To make a good group meeting, EVERYONE needs to talk. I know there are those eager beavers who talks to no end and want to do A,B, and C but they need to take a back seat. Some people are observers such as myself, and if you have someone like that in your group, then take a moment to ask them “How do you feel about this?” This allows the shy ones to speak up a bit and can produce full participation from the entire group.

Tip #4: Use Your Time Wisely

Being adults and in college, you don’t have all the time in the world to meet. And, depending on how late you all are starting your project, you might not have enough time to just sit around staring at the walls. Time is crucial. Spend your meeting times being productive and getting things done. At the end of each meeting, make tasks to be accomplished either by the next meeting or during the next meeting. This ensures you all know what needs to be done and time won’t be wasted trying to figure it out.

Tip #5: Be Attentive/ Do Your Parts

My last tip/ tips to get through group meetings is to be attentive. Pay attention to what’s being discussed. No one has time to play catch up. This goes with doing your part as well. Don’t be the one who’s behind because you decided to take a vacation and not do the part you were in charge of. This can put the whole group behind on what was planned in the meeting. If you or another group member had to miss a meeting, then it’s important to ask what was missed before the next meeting. I don’t know about you guys, but I hate meetings so I want to get in and out as fast as possible and know time wasn’t wasted.

Follow these tips to ensure group meetings go as smooth and fast as possible. Do you have any tips to add?  Put them in the comments below!