In a world of tests, quizzes, essays and homework assignments, school projects can be the most difficult of them all. The good news is that you’re working hard for a reason. Apart from the rest of school work, that often seems just like busy-work, projects have the capability to help develop some of the most practical skills. Here are just a few skills that you’ll build with every project that is assigned to you.
Problem Solving
Researchers have discovered that the greatest ideas and epiphanies come from alpha brain wave patterns. These are generated by relaxed, open-minded thinking, the kind that creative projects generate far more than rote memorization for midterms. The next time that you’re “stuck” on a project, just remind yourself that you’re exercising your brain waves in a meaningful way.
Time Management
Whether you’re building a robot or just putting together a slideshow, all projects require a certain amount of planning. They aren’t as cut-and-dried as “the test is on the 17th” or “the assignment is due Friday.” To finish your project by the deadline, you’ll need to gather your supplies, allocate your resources, plan your steps, delegate your tasks and ultimately manage your own time. These are all skills that you’ll be utilizing in your career, too.
Delegation
Speaking of delegation, it’s something that you’ll need to get used to doing if you plan on climbing the corporate ladder someday. Group projects can be your training ground. It doesn’t matter if you’re leading a discussion in study hall or exchanging emails with fellow students earning an online business administration degree; the most important thing is that you’re collaborating on what needs to be done and who’s going to do it.
Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of group projects, and multiple studies have proven the benefits of giving, receiving and refining ideas in a group setting. Every time you have to justify an opinion, you’re learning how to articulate your thoughts and open yourself up to feedback. Every time you have to argue a point, you’re learning how to disagree with people in a meaningful, productive way. Group projects will make you a better leader on multiple levels.
Responsibility and Accountability
At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to answer for the quality of your project. If it’s flawed, erroneous or incomplete, that’s a failing on your part, and that’s something that you’ll need to take to heart for next time. Every successful CEO has failed at something. What makes them successful is the fact that they keep going afterwards.
These are just a few ways that you cultivate leadership qualities with every school project. They may be tough to get through, but they’re worth it in the end.
Article submitted by Dixie Somers. Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for family, home, and business niches. Dixie is the proud mother to three girls and wife to a wonderful husband.
