Once upon a time, I was the girl who hated group projects.
I believed that if I wanted something done right, I should do it myself. Truthfully, a part of me also wanted to make sure that I got all the credit, and the best way to ensure that was to cut the “group” out of the equation altogether: No one to share my spotlight with.
But I realized completely owning and controlling every project on the committees I volunteered to chair meant that the best work wasn’t getting done: other people’s good ideas and energy were wasted, and I was tired. I made myself the responsible party for every aspect of every project, and, in doing so, I stressed myself out. I was also paranoid that others were trying to overstep me, which didn’t win me any friends or gain the respect of my colleagues either.
So, I decided to share the reins. Being in charge didn’t mean I needed to make every decision. If someone had an idea, they were free to run with it. It wasn’t always easy to do, but people appreciate their ideas being considered and want to be allowed some responsibility, otherwise they wouldn’t have gotten involved with the project in the first place.
This little shift in perspective has resulted in better work from the group, less stress on me, and a sense of camaraderie that comes with true collaboration.
I even found that at times I preferred to be just a committee member, and in charge of nothing at all.
I still fail at times but I keep working at working with others, and the rewards continue to be worth it.
After spending several years working as an academic reference librarian and a community college library director, Tanzi Merritt shifted her career to become a tech company’s sales & marketing coordinator. She sits on a number of nonprofit boards, and, during her off-hours, obsessively watches documentaries, buys art, and frequents local craft breweries. Connect with her: www.linkedin.com/in/tanzidmerritt.
