GROUP DISCUSSION or GD happens to be an important dimension of the selection process in admission in IIMs as well as by Information Technology (IT) companies. The Panel/organisations are typically on the lookout for candidates who are outgoing and smart. During the GD, the panel members essentially evaluate the candidate’s potential to be a leader and his/her ability to work as a team member. The skills

they look for are:

Leadership skills
Ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help it to achieve the group’s objectives.
 
Communication skills : The participant will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought and aptness of the language used during the course of the GD.Since over 90 per cent of the communication is non-verbal, the participant’s body language such as facial expressions, gestures, postures and eye contact are closely watched to assess the level of confidence and his/her ability to work effectively in a group. Ability to be patient and willingness to accommodate others’ point of view is tested by the listening skills.

Interpersonal skills : The candidate will be assessed in terms of ability to interact with other members of the group in the GD environment. Emotional intelligence promotes good interpersonal relationship.

Problem-solving skills : The candidate’s ability to use his/her creativity and to come out with offbeat solutions is assessed.
 
Persuasive skills : Ability to persuade others to see the problem from several perspectives without hurting the feelings of anyone in the group.
 
Conceptualising skills : The ability to grasp the situation and apply it to a macro level is considered.

Points to remember.

• Always enter the discussion room with a piece of paper and pen. In the first few minutes, jot down as many ideas as you can.
• You should be noticed by the panel to have made a meaningful contribution in an attempt to help the group reach the right consensus.
• You have to be assertive. Assertiveness does not mean being arrogant.
• Everybody else will state the obvious. So, highlight some points that are not obvious. This will be appreciated by the panel members.
• You must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a consensus. This is important because in most work situations, you will have to work with people in a team and take decisions as a group.
• Work out strategies to hep you make an entry.
• Your contribution is based on quality and not on quantity.
• It is very important to listen and understand the topic before giving your opinion.
• Do as many mock GDs as possible before you attend the actual one.

Dos and Don’ts

• Be cool and confident.
• Be as natural as possible.
• Take time to organise your thoughts.
• Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
• Start speaking only after you have clearly understood and analysed the subject.
• Always be polite.
• Motivate the other members of the team to speak and listen to them. 
• Do not show off your knowledge.
• Do not address the panel members.
• Do not evaluate other members of the group.
• Be objective.
• Do not get into cross talk with any person in the group. Always address the group and make eye contact with as many members as possible.
• Do not criticise other members of the group.
• Do not be aggressive.
• Do not stray from the topic.

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