Hearing the words "group project" in class can inspire as much fear as a Republican seeing the final vote for the stimulus package.

Since kindergarten, we have been learning how to "play nice" because in the real world, we'll probably have to do a joint project at some point. In grade school, group projects were bad because you didn't always get paired with your best friend and sometimes had to work with the kid who had no idea what was going on.

In high school, group projects were pretty much the same as in grade school, except sometimes teachers were overzealous in choosing groups and separated the smart kids so they could "help" the not-so-smart kids. So, of course, the smart kids did all the work and went off to college looking forward to group projects in which all members were of equal intelligence and had a strong work ethic.

Then, we arrived at college.

Group projects are inescapable. Unfortunately, the groups are not "dream groups." Instead of dealing with slackers, group projects mean working with an average of five students who can't meet at the same time and think they have all the answers.

A conflict of ideas ensues until going to group meetings looks something like the CareerBuilder.com Super Bowl commercial but with a twist: You hate going to meetings, your group members don't respect you, you wish you were somewhere else, you yell constantly, you daydream of punching the guy who thinks he's in charge and you sit next to a girl who tells you all of her relationship issues.

How do you survive the group project? Be the leader. Try a democratic government. Dictatorships usually don't end well for the dictator or the people. You have to be open to ideas that aren't yours.

Don't stress out about aspects of the project assigned to other members. If something isn't done right, then politely offer help.

Be a team player. If someone asks you to do something, do it. Don't give excuses or separate yourself and do your own thing. Not participating is bad for your grade and your reputation.

Don't be overly negative. You're allowed to offer constructive criticism, but the keyword is constructive. Offer alternatives, modifications or compromises to things you disagree with.

Emphasize the grade. It's easier to work together if you're all working for a common goal.

Be organized. If nothing else, every group needs someone who keeps everything in order. Volunteering for this position will give you some control if you need to be in control of something.

I highly recommend getting together to have fun and hang out with your group. If you get to know and understand each other, you'll be able to work together more easily and effectively.You can't escape group projects because we are learning how to play nicely in the working world. So take advantage of the group project and learn something about yourself, your group and maybe you'll learn something about the subject.

Wes Young is a columnist for the Daily O'Collegian at Oklahoma State University. Courtesy of UWIRE.