Tips for excellent performance in Group discussion In the present scenario, since
many of the companies while interviewing candidates, conduct Group
Discussion (GD) for selecting the right ones. Therefore, it is really very important for the youngsters to know the concepts and the tricks regarding GD. While this is a much traversed subject with abundant “expert” theories and practical sessions in the repertory, this article attempts to give a simplifies “instant success” treatment to the subject.
Psychological foundations of Group Discussion: The written test is a screening device. It serves the twin purposes of identifying the top scoring few and to eliminate the remaining candidates. Whereas the GD is not an elimination stage; rather it is applied to add value / scores to the candidates’
performance. Therefore while nobody is disqualified and removed in the GD round, the performance in GD stage can definitely boost up the totals. It must be remembered that GD is conducted for the candidates who have crossed the written test but before the personal interview. Group discussion is a simulated exercise under controlled conditions, which will be observed and assessed by experts. A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and skills which will be essential for the discharge of his duties after appointment. In this methodology, a group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, allowed a few minutes of preparation and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 15-20 minutes. Generally the employers look for the following attributes through the GD performance: Whether the candidate can express his views? Can he grab the right opportunity to speak Can he face the group? Can he speak some sense on the topic? Does he listen? Does he have team compatibility or he rallies the group against him. Is he arrogant and offensive? Does he have sharp corners in his personality or is he amiable? Can he articulate or does he give up at the first obstacle? Does he go to obstinate lengths to buttress his view point or he is within limits?
Tips for effective performance in Group discussion: Everyone should listen respectfully to the other (even if they disagree). The person who is speaking should not be interrupted. Not more than one person should speak at the same time. No one''s ideas should be made fun of. If you disagree with someone, disagree with their ideas, but don''t attack the person. Try to understand the others, as much as you hope they try to understand you. A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you aren''t at a loss of words on certain issues. Understand the topic and analyze it mentally before speaking. Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint. One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner to everyone. Be clear in speech, audible but not too loud and above all remain confident. Remember the six C''s of effective communication -- Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness and Courtesy. You should maintain eye contact with all others in the group and not focus on a particular person. Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very receptive and open-minded but don''t allow others to dominate you. Being the first person to start the discussion is considered to be good, however it isn''t all that important; what is important is that you speak for a period long enough for you to be able to communicate your viewpoint. Always maintain your calm and never get aggressive. If you haven''t been able to talk, then you can cut in saying "Excuse me, but what I think is .........." or something of that sort. Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal frtude should be one of cooperation and not one of conflict. Don''t lose sight of the goal of the discussion. Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to defend your views.
The bottom-line The minimum the candidate should do in GD are : Don’t be totally silent Don’t be talking all the time Speak some thing relevant at the right intervals No quarrels and pitched battles
Conclusion To perform well and score more in GD you should definitely know the following – “About GD, why GD, common doubts in GD, dos/ don’ts in GD, how GD works? how to prepare for GD? mistakes commonly made in GD, tips for success in GD, skills evaluated from GD, Important topics for GD”.
Reference: CD ROM by name “
GROUP DISCUSSION” produced by
Meena Techno Mediaa Solutions-Chennai. www.worldcollages.info/ articles
AUTHOR: DR.V.SAIKUMARI.,MBA.,PGDCS.,PHD.,
PROFESSOR & HEAD
DEPT OF MGT STUDIES
SATHYABAMA UNIVERSITY
CHENNAI 600028
CELL- 9884724331
vsai55@yahoo.com