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GROUP DISCUSSION TIPS

Some companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contribute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behaviour, conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.

Here's how most group discussions work:

. Normally groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to analyse and discuss within a given time limit.

. They may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem.

. They may be given a topic and are asked to discuss on the same.

A panel, which normally comprises the functional and HR executives of the company will observe and evaluate the members of the group.

sample list of skills assessed during a group discussion process:

• Leadership skills:
  

  Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead,inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve groups objective

  Example:

  To be able to initiate discussion or be able to guide the group especially when the discussion begins losing relevance or try to encourage all members to participate in the discussion

• Communication skills:
  

  The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought,expression aptness of language.One key aspect is listening.It indicates willingness to accomodate others views.
  

  Example:

  To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all.

• Interpersonal skills:

  Is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.

  Example:

  To remain cool even when someone provokes you by with personal comment, ability to remain objective, ability to empathise, non-threatening and more of a team player.

• Persuasive skills:
  

  In terms of ability to analyse and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perpectives without hurting the group members.

  Example:

  While appreciating the other person's point of view,should be able to effectively communicate without obviously contradicting other person's opinion.

• Problem solving skills:
  

  The ability to grasp the situation,take it from the day to day mundane problem level and applying it to the macro level

  Example:

  While thinking of solutions,don't be afraid to think of novel solutions.This is high-risk,high-return strategy.

• Conceptualizing skills:
  

  The ability to grasp the situation, take it from the day to day mundane problem level and apply it to a macro level.

  Example:

  At the end of the discussion, you could probably summarize the findings in a few sentences that present the overall perspective.

A note of caution:

can we acquire all the skills overnight or can we put up a show?

Group disscussion is a simulated exercise, where you cannot suddenly up a show,since the evaluators will see through you easily. The purpose of the article is to sensitive you to these issues so that you can develop yourself with time.

Some Tips to keep in mind.

. If you have any doubts regarding the subject or about what another team member has said,ask for clarification.

. Be as natural as possible.Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself so the employer gets to know the real you.

. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The point of interest to the evaluator is to hear you speak.

. Take time to think of what you are going to say - if allowed, take a piece of paper and a pen with you and jot down your thoughts, before verbalising them. This could help you create the right framework for your discussion.

. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analysed the subject.

. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.

. Be assertive not dominating;Try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

. Be patient;Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective:Don't take the discussion personally.

. Brush up on your leadership skills;Motivate the other members of the team to speak, and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

Don't be disheartened if you don't make it after your first group discussion..the best possible preparation for a group discussion is to learn from your past mistakes...