Page 271 - Keys to College Success

KEY 9.3 Know how to participate and how to lead.

Tips for Participation Tips for Team Leadership
• Be clear on your skills and talents so you knowhow to best • Set an example of integrity and positive attitude.
contribute. • Communicate the goal clearly so that your team understands it.
• Listen to others without interrupting. • Motivate your team members as they work toward the goal.
• Concentrate on the task at hand. • Set group goals and goals for individual team members.
• Take notes so that you do not forget what is said. • Delegate tasks so that each team member knows what he or she is
• Communicate clearly especially when giving instructions or responsible for.
documenting something. • Set up a system to communicate progress.
• Set goals for yourself so that you know what to do and when. • Create schedules so that the team knows what must be completed
• Manage your own time so that you complete tasks on time. and when.
• Follow through—f nish what you start. • Monitor schedules and adjust if necessary.
• Don’t value your contribution over that of others.

Whether or not there is an official team leader, it is likely that at least one person
will take on this role. A team member and a team leader both work with the team and
share a common goal. The primary difference is that the team member is responsible
for his or her contributions to the team, while the team leader is responsible for his or
her contributions as well as the success of the entire team. See Key 9.3 for tips for both
team leaders and team members.

Start individual work. As you complete your part of the project, keep the end result
in mind. If the group is presenting the project in front of the class, think also of the
presentation.

Gather for a second meeting (or more if necessary). When team members are
finished with individual work, gather to share and combine it. If possible, send drafts
or visuals via email before the meeting, so people will have time to review them. Expect
that your work—and everyone else’s—will need adjustment, so don’t be discouraged
by the need for more work. This give and take is an essential part of how this process
creates an effective result.

Have a final group meeting. At this final stage, focus on:
■ Putting project pieces together
9 ■ Polishing writing or visual elements
CHAPTER 234 ■ If your team is required to present the project to the class, planning your delivery