Life is like a group project

I taught marketing courses in higher ed for 11 years. Twice each year, a capstone group project was assigned. 

Coming from a background as a corporate trainer, I was well-versed in adult education theory and methods. This experience not only gave me a little edge in understanding the psychology beneath a number of factors that make projects, in general, fail or succeed, but it informed me on the unique challenges and importance of project-work in general. 

Accordingly, one thing that was standard policy in my courses was choice; students could choose to work in semi-randomly assigned groups or work alone.  By a show of hands I would get a sense of the students who wanted to work alone-- typically a small number, and then conduct an abbreviated Insights-style assessment for everyone. 

At the conclusion of the 10 or so question assessment, I would ask: "Where are the yellows in the group?" The "yellows" eagerly raised their hands and I would ask them to "come on down" ala Price is Right. Bob Barker-style (lol) to the front of the classroom. I would then say: "Generally speaking, the yellows are the heavy-lifters, the ones who are detail oriented, and ensure everyone stays on task."--- some laughed, some grumbled.

However, hearing this not only set the tone for the expectation as "project leaders", it helped everyone else understand that not everyone has the same role in a group, nor is any one "color" or task more important than another. Then, I would ask the "reds" to line up behind "a yellow", then the "blues", and then "greens". And then, I would circle back to the  "independents" for one last opt-in; select a group or work alone.  

So how is life like a group project? You tell me. 🥰

By Mayra Porrata ©2026 Solara Publishing, LLC