How to do GD

Leading a Discussion

You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by:

* introducing yourself and the members of the group

* stating the purpose of the discussion

* inviting quiet group members to speak

* being objective

* summarizing the discussion

* Chairing a Group Discussion

When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include:

* Introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion

* Making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion by taking too much time)

* Thanking group members for their contribution

Being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements.

GD Preparation

You may have experienced or prepared yourself for an interview where you may be a king of your own like answering a tests, attending one on one interview or even being a part of an interview where you have a panel of 2 -3 interviewers interviewing you.

A very different and a commonly adapted form of selection i.e. Group Discussion, is one methodology which needs preparation, practice not alone but with a group of people. GD being one of the selection processes gives an insight of a person performing in real life situation along with team members. GD majorly brings out an understanding of one’s ability referring to working in a team. Team work is an integral part of any organization; hence GD too plays an important role.

GD has become a useful tool for selection along with personal interviews, technical or aptitude tests etc. A GD is an activity where:

* 8 – 10 candidates participate and discuss within a given limit of time

* The time may vary between 20 – 40 minutes

* You 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 the same

Bond with the number of people and time, you need to showcase the best of your abilities. While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing for it unprepared may not augur well for you. Here are some tips to prepare you for a Group Discussion:

1. Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you must ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and also with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read both for the thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then create your point of view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of view. The electronic media also will be of good use here.

2. Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you convince. Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in these mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact and participate in other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well.

3. Dressing: Always dress in formals. Wearing a good combination of a dark and light outfit is a good idea. Ensure your clothes are well ironed. Footwear is polished, neat & tidy. For men, if you wear a black belt ensure you are in black footwear. Avoid too much of jewellery during interviews or group discussions.

4. During the Group Discussion:

What do the panelists assess: Some of the qualities assessed in a GD are:

* Leadership Skills - Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve the group's objectives.

* Communication Skills - Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.

* Interpersonal Skills - People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability 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.

* Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives.

GD is a test of your ability to think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a team-based environment. These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above:

* Clarity of thought

* Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)

* Conflict handling

* Listening and probing skills

* Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view

* Ability to create a consensus

* Openness and flexibility towards new ideas

* Data based approach to decision making

While, it is not possible to reflect all these qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to show a couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on others.

GD – MOCK 1

Candidates are divided in groups of 8 to 10 and each group is tested by a panel of Judges. Usually topics of general interest are given by the panel to the group and the group is asked to proceed with discussion. Every candidate is supposed to express his opinion and views on the topic given. The time for discussion is approximately 20 minutes. During the discussion, the panel of interviewers quietly observes the performance and behavior of the candidates and makes their own assessment.

Mock Group Discussion:

Most topics are taken from the current political or economic scene so if one has just kept abreast of current affairs, then he will be able to make a mark. We give below a group discussion on a common topic and give some typical responses of students. We then analyze the discussion so that readers can develop their own strategy for themselves.

Here we have interviewers & the candidates by name A, B,C,D, E & F.

JUDGE: Good morning. You can choose any topic you like or take a slip from that box. You are given one minute to think to start with the discussion. The observers will not interfere in your discussion. If no conclusion is reached, we may ask each of you to speak for a minute on the topic at the end of the discussion. The topic on the slip is "Multinationals: Bane or Boon". I suggest you should start the discussion.

Mr. A: This is a good topic. I am against multinationals. We have Coke and Pepsi. Do we need them? We can manufacture our own soft drinks. Multinationals destroy the local industry and sell non-essential products.

Mr. B: I agree with you. What is the fun of having Coke and Pepsi? We have our own Campa Cola.

Mr. C: I think water is good enough.

Mr. D: We are not here to discuss soft drinks. The topic given to us is a much larger one. First, let us define multinational companies. They are merely large companies which operate in a number of countries. There could be some Indian multinationals also. So there is nothing wrong with them. The point is whether they have a good or bad impact on the host countries. We have to discuss their business practices and find out whether they are desirable or not.

Mr. E: That is a very good introduction to the topic. Multinational companies do serve an important function that they bring new products and technologies in countries which do not have them. And it is not just Coke and Pepsi. They set up power plants and build roads and bridges, which really help in the development of host countries.

Mr. F: But are they all that good? We have seen that they destroy local industry. In India they just took over existing companies. They came in areas of low technology. Moreover, we have to see why they come at all. They come for earning profits and often remit more money abroad than they bring in.

Mr. A: I agree with you. I am against multinationals. We can produce everything ourselves. We should be swadeshi in our approach. Why do we need multinational companies?

Mr. E: We may not need multinational companies but then it also means that our companies should not do business abroad. Can we live in an isolated world? The fact is that we are moving towards becoming a global village. The world is interconnected. Then we have also seen that foreign companies bring in business practices that we are impressed with. Look at foreign banks. They are so efficient and friendly that the nationalized banks look pathetic in comparison. I think we can learn a lot from multinationals if we keep our eyes and mind open.

Mr. B: Take a look at McDonald's. They are providing quality meals at affordable prices. One does not have to wait at their restaurants.

Mr. C: How do you account for the fact that they take out more than they put in and thus lead to impoverishing the country?

Mr. D: The fact is that every poor country needs foreign investment. Poor countries often lack resources of their own. That is why they have to invite foreign companies in. There is nothing wrong in this because then products like cars, air conditioners and so on can be made in poor countries. Often multinationals source products from different countries which helps boost their export earnings.

Mr. E: We have been talking about Coke and Pepsi. It is well known that Pepsi is in the foods business also and has helped farmers in Punjab by setting up modern farms to grow potatoes and tomatoes. Modern practices have helped the people in that area.

Mr. A: I still feel that multinationals are harmful for the country.

Mr. D: Well, there could be negative things associated with such companies. They may not be very good in their practices. But can we do without them? I think the best way is to invite them but also impose some controls so that they follow the laws of the country and do not indulge in unfair practices.

Mr. E: I think laws are applicable to everyone. Very often officials in poor countries take bribes. The fault lies not with the company which gives a bribe but the person who actually demands one. Why blame the companies for our own ills?

Mr. A: What about the money they take out?

Mr. D: We have had a good discussion and I think it is time to sum up. Multinationals may have good points and some bad ones too, but competition is never harmful for anyone. We cannot live in a protected economy any longer. We have been protected for many years and the results are there for everyone to see. Rather than be close about multinationals, let us invite them in selected areas so that we get foreign investment in areas which we are lacking. Laws can be strictly enforced that companies operate within limits and do not start meddling in political affairs.

Analysis: Though Mr. A started the discussion, he could not make any good points. Later, he could not give any points about why multinationals are bad. It is also a bad strategy to say at the outset whether you are for or against the topic. Remember, it is not a debate but a discussion. The first step should always be to introduce the topic without taking sides. See the way in which the discussion is proceeding and give arguments for or against. The observer is more interested in what you saying than knowing what you belief. The participation of Mr. B and C is below average. A candidate must make 3-4 interventions. Their arguments are also not well thought out and add nothing to the argument. It is important to say relevant things which make an impact.