just realised research also got so many interpersonal relationship problems, esp those between partners. it's these things that make me a little glad at times that i'm working alone. but, sometimes, two brains are better than one (besides, one can slack while the other work).
though if there's only one computer and only one person can work on the project at one time, it's rather a waste of time just to sit there and watch, and maybe give suggestions. of course, different people may understand things and do work at different pace and if partners happen to lag too much between them, well... another inefficiency.
but if they can tap on each other's strengths and help each other understand, things may go faster.
some people need to learn how to ask, and some need to learn how to answer/ explain. it doesn't help if one only asks when the other offers to help; it doesn't help if one's reaction is 'huh, you don't know ah?' when one's partner asked.
dare to ask. dare to try. dare to fail. because it will all happen before one succeeds. and it will happen numerous times.
when explaining, be patient, not condescending; no one likes to feel stupid.
it may not be intentional, the attitude the shines through one's words, tone and body language, but one should try to control oneself. even if you feel like banging your head on the table after explaining how to change the velocity vector for the hundredth time. well, an alternative is to snap at your partner and later apologise and make up and all will be better.
sometimes, personalities just crashed horribly. extrovert vs introvert. feeling vs thinking. i think it takes both to put in effort to work together. most think it's the IT partner whose at fault, maybe 'cause he's kind of anti-social. but i can understand his mentality and where he's coming from, and tend to not judge him so harshly. perhaps it's because i'm a IT too, just not as extreme as he is.
i've done lots of group work stuff, anyone who's been in school has. and i don't recall much problems arising from asking/ not asking and personalities incompatiblilty; it's mostly quarrels over not doing one's share of work.
it's a good experience, i think, simulating working life, where you most probably have no choice in who you work with and thus have to work out the problems.
