By Amanda Liu — Survived a terrible group project. Uses what she learned every day at work.
Last updated: May 2026
I have worked on many group projects. Most were fine. We divided the work. We did our parts. We got a good grade. We never spoke again.
But one was terrible. It was my junior year of college. Four people. One presentation. Due in three weeks.
One person did nothing. Not a little. Nothing. Did not reply to emails. Did not come to meetings. Showed up on presentation day and read slides he had not helped create.
Another person did everything. Too much. Would not let anyone else speak in meetings. Changed other people’s work without asking.
The third person was nice but unreliable. Said they would do things. Did not do them. Apologized. Did it again.
And then there was me. I tried to hold it together. I sent emails. I made schedules. I mediated arguments. I ended up doing extra work to cover for the person who did nothing.
We got a B. The presentation was fine. The process was a nightmare.
I was angry at the time. Now I am grateful. That project taught me more about real work than any A I ever earned.
What I Learned
Some people will not do their share.
Not because they are bad people. Because they can get away with it. Or they are overwhelmed. Or they do not care. The reason does not matter. The result does. In real life, you will have coworkers like this. You have to figure out how to work around them without becoming bitter.
Some people will try to do too much.
They are not trying to be controlling. They are anxious. Or perfectionists. Or they do not trust anyone else. You have to learn how to push back. Gently. Firmly. “I can handle this part. Let me show you.”
Clear roles prevent conflict.
The groups that worked best had one thing in common: everyone knew exactly what they were responsible for. The worst groups had vague plans. “We will figure it out.” That never works.
| What Did Not Work | What Worked |
|---|---|
| “We will divide the work somehow” | “You do slides 1–3. You do slides 4–6.” |
| “Let’s meet and figure it out” | “Here is the agenda. Here is what each person needs to bring.” |
| “I trust you” (to someone unreliable) | “Can you send me your draft by Tuesday so I can review it?” |
What I Should Have Done Differently
I should have spoken up earlier. I saw problems in week one. I did not say anything until week three. By then, it was too late.
I should have set expectations upfront. “Here is how we will communicate. Here is when we will meet. Here is what happens if someone misses a deadline.”
I should have talked to the professor. Not to tattle. To ask for help. “We are struggling with one team member. Do you have advice?” That is professional. That is not complaining.
How That Project Helps Me Now
I work in an office now. Group projects never end. They just change names.
| College Group Project | Work Project |
|---|---|
| Someone does nothing | Someone is not pulling their weight |
| Someone does too much | Someone is a micromanager |
| Unreliable teammate | Coworker who misses deadlines |
| Vague roles | Confusing responsibilities |
The skills are the same. Communicate clearly. Set expectations. Speak up early. Do not take things personally.
I learned those skills in that terrible group project. Not in a lecture.
What I Am Not Saying
I am not saying group projects are always good. Many are poorly designed.
I am not saying you should suffer through a bad project without help. Talk to your teacher. Get support.
I am just saying: the projects that go wrong teach you more than the ones that go right. Not about the subject. About how to work with people. That is a skill no lecture can give you.
A Few Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Send a recap email. After every meeting, write down who is doing what and when it is due. Send it to the group. Now there is a record.
Check in early. Do not wait until the deadline to find out someone has done nothing. Ask for progress updates halfway through.
Separate the person from the problem. Your teammate is not a bad person. They are just not doing their work. Address the work. Not their character.
The Bottom Line
I worked on a terrible group project. Someone did nothing. Someone did too much. Someone was unreliable. I was stressed.
I got a B. But I learned how to work with people. How to set boundaries. How to speak up. How to cover for someone without becoming resentful.
No lecture taught me that. A terrible group project did.
I would not want to do it again. But I am glad I went through it.
About the author: Amanda Liu works in an office now. She still has to work on group projects. They are still annoying. She is better at them now.
This article reflects personal experience. Group projects are hard. The skills you learn from them are real.
