So we’re in the final semester of our undergrad and we’ve been divided up into groups for some projects.
I like working in teams for obvious reasons (the work load is shared, there is more brains so a lot more creative ideas etc.) but there is always that one person in the group who seems to think he/she knows it all! This person is so controlling and so bossy that we’re finding it extremely frustrating to work with her.
She doesn’t realise that working in groups means everyone should have a say, everyone should be listened to and every decision must be reached by the full team and not just one person.
We are extremely busy trying to meet various deadlines and we really don’t want to have to put up with these primary-school-like issues! We don’t want to be rude but we really want to tell her how controlling she has been and that we’re not really enjoying this project with her around.
This project is worth 10% of the final exams so we obviously want to do our best in it, which is not possible until everyone puts in the effort. How would you deal with this person?
Have a group meeting. Until you tell her the problem straight away she wont know and you guys will just be as pissed as you are. Bossy people are bossy, cuz thats the way they have gotten away with all through the years, so until someone puts them in place, they wll continue ..
Contrary to your situation we have been working in a group in which two people didn't do anything at all. The best thing is to just confront such people with their behaviour. It helped in our case.
It can be possible that this person doesn't realise what she is doing and just needs someone to hold a mirror in front of her. You can say something like, 'We do appreciate your input, but we think it's more than fair to let the others share their inputs as well. This is a group project, so the whole group should be involved.'
hmm that's true.. Just gotta talk to her.. hopefully she won't freak out! We're getting marks even for our team work and I don't want this to spoil that..
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hmm that's true.. Just gotta talk to her.. hopefully she won't freak out! We're getting marks even for our team work and I don't want this to spoil that..
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You can even point that out to her, if she's not willing to do work 'as a group' she'll get negative points. I'm sure you will have to give feedback on eachothers efforts too right?
Well that's so common. Of course when you work in groups, everyone has different personality. I am sure she has some negative things to say about you. Just learn to work together. That's what team work is all about. This "I know it all" person will always be more controlling and agressive. That's just part of her personality. What I've learned works in team work is dividing tasks. That way she does her work and you do yours.
Some people are the leader types...I think as long as you think her ideas are right and will get you a good grade, just suck it up for the time being. and next time, if possible, avoid working with her.
Talk to her as a team but don't be childish and rude about it. Tell her about the positives she does and then break it to her lightly that you think things can be different. If she gets angry, you will be cursing under your breath till the project is over.