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Group work and all it's drama, Part 2.
What's Up guyyyy?
If you thought we had identified all the characters in group work, you’re very optimistic. Because every group project somehow introduces new personalities you didn’t know existed.
Let’s continue.
The “I Thought Someone Else Was Doing It” Member
This one is always shocked.
Deadline is approaching. Everyone is submitting their part. Suddenly you realize one section is missing.
You ask the person you assigned it to and they reply with genuine confusion:
“Oh… I thought someone else was handling that part.”
Who exactly is this mysterious “someone else”?
Nobody knows.
But now the group leader is typing “no problem” while internally screaming.
The Overachiever
Every group has one person who treats the assignment like it’s a national competition.
They’re suggesting:
extra research
better slide transitions
more references
more structure
a rehearsal presentation
Meanwhile the rest of the group just wants to submit and move on with their lives.
You admire their dedication.
But also… please calm down.
The Last-Minute Disappearing Act
These ones are active in the beginning.
They attend the first meeting.
They contribute ideas.
They promise to handle their section.
Then suddenly… silence.
Messages are seen but not answered.
Calls are ignored.
Deadlines pass.
Then on presentation day they appear like nothing happened:
“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”
Busy doing what? We never know.
The Slide Designer Who Doesn’t Present
This person has a very specific role.
They design beautiful slides.
Perfect colors.
Clean layouts.
Nice animations.
But when it’s time to present?
“Ah… I don’t really like speaking in front of people.”
Now the presenter must explain slides they’ve never seen before, or slides they just saw a day to the presentation.
Wonderful.
The “Let’s Meet Again” Planner
This member believes every problem requires another meeting.
You already had two meetings.
The assignment is almost done.
But they say:
“Maybe we should meet again to discuss.”
Discuss what? The discussion that we just discussed?
At some point, the group chat becomes a meeting scheduling service.
At the end of every group project, three things happen:
1. One person did most of the work.
2. One person is still confused, some nonchalant, about the topic.
3. Everyone promises themselves they will choose a better group next time or if it wasn't up to you the first time, you'd double your prayers for better group members.
But next time?
Same chaos.
Same characters.
Same emotional journey.
Because group work is not just about assignments.
It’s about learning patience… the hard way.
What group member are you? And what group member do you dislike the most? Let me know in the comments.
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Catch up with previous publications on What's Up by 10.8.8 Africa.
Until next gist,
Gbemi from 10.8.8 Africa ✨