Group Discussion (GD): Tips to Prepare and Effective Participation

Group discussion (GD) is a test of interactive skills in a group setting. It is a tool usually employed for elimination rather than selection. Organizations make use of this tool to assess the group dynamics of a candidate based on his communication and interpersonal interaction and to reduce the pool of candidates lined up for personal interviews.

The strength of a group for a GD usually varies between eight and twelve, and the atmosphere ranges from feigned teamwork and forced camaraderie to unbridled warfare and uncivilized mayhem. While participating in a GD, the candidates are expected to be able to not only articulate their viewpoint effectively but also to understand the other person's point of view while making their point and ensuring that the team as a whole reaches a win-win situation, a solution/agreement that is both feasible and accepted by all members of the team. Thus, a GD is a simulated managerial setting, and its evaluation parameters can be categorized into two broad areas:

• The Content: all about what or the ‘matter’ spoken.
• The Process: refers to the 'how', 'when', and 'why'

Roles Performed by Participants in a GD

The participants in GDs can be classified in the following categories:

• Initiator
• Information seeker
• Information giver
• Opinion seeker
• Opinion giver
• Clarifier
• Summarizer
• Harmonizer
• Tension Reliever
• Energizer
• Compromiser
• Disgruntled non-participant
• Attacker
• Dominator

Objectives Pertaining to GD: Candidate’s Perspective

-   You must ensure that the group hears you. That does not mean you shout at the top of your voice and be noticed for the wrong reasons.

-   You have to be assertive. Assertiveness does not mean being bull-headed or being arrogant.

-   You have to make your chances. Usually, you will not get a chance to speak. There is nothing more unacceptable in a GD than keeping one's mouth shut or just murmuring things that are inaudible. Participate in as many practice GDs as possible before you attend the actual GD. There is nothing like practice to help you overcome the fear of talking in a GD.

Preparation just before the start of GD

Note down points for both sides of the argument. It will be useful on the following counts:

· If you do not start the GD and are not among the first five speakers and find that everyone in the group is talking about the topic, then take the alternate approach and oppose the topic even if you initially intended to talk about the topic.

· It helps to know how group members who take a stand diametrically opposite to yours will put forth their argument and be prepared with counterarguments.

· Everybody else will state the obvious. So, try to note down some points that are not obvious. The panel will appreciate the different perspectives that you bring. Be careful that something different you state is still relevant to the topic.

Critical Success Factors in a GD

Essentially, the GD tests your ability to think on your feet, your analytical process, and your ability to make your point in a team-based environment.

§  Cognitive Skills: Quality of content (QOC), which is reflected in the points you speak and knowledge of the relevant subject you have, the supportive examples you give, data you generated, etc.

§  Comprehension of core idea: you should speak on the topic and not deviate.

§  Logical reasoning: generating quality arguments, analysis, and a progressive approach to a justifiable conclusion. This conveys the impression of an open-minded and logic-driven person rather than an opinionated individual.

§  Behavioural and Personality Skills: rapport building, team membership, participation, patience, assertion and accommodation, amenability, leadership, etc.

§  Leadership Skills: Ability to lead, inspire, and carry the team along to help them achieve the group's objectives. To initiate the group discussion and guide the group, especially when the discussion begins losing relevance, try to encourage all members to participate.

§  Interpersonal Skills: People skills are an essential aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to interact with other group members. Emotional maturity and balance promote good interpersonal relationships. The person should be more people-centric and less self-centered. One should remain calm even when someone provokes you with personal comments. The ability to remain objective, empathize, non-threatening, and more of a team player helps in displaying good group behaviour.

§  Communication Skills: Clarity of thought, expression, and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate other views. Able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that all easily understand it. You can get negative marks for using esoteric jargon.

§  Persuasive Skills: Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives. While appreciating someone else's point of view, you should be able to effectively communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.

§  Problem-solving skills: Ability to come up with divergent and offbeat solutions and use one's creativity.

§  Conceptualizing Skills:  Ability to grasp a situation, take it from the day-to-day mundane problem level, and apply it to a macro level. At the end of the discussion, summarize the findings in a few sentences that present the overall perspective.

   Dr. Karminder Ghuman, Head of MBA Department, LM Thapar School of Management,       Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (Deemed to be University), Patiala

     Based on contents from the book: "The Art and Science of Effective and Impactful Business Communication" 

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