Group discussions have inevitably become a very vital part of the selection process.

There are two basic purposes as to why group discussions are held:

• As of today, all organizations focus on teamwork. When people work in a team lot of ideas come up and the best possible idea can be selected after deliberating on all the options. This gives employees a sense of belonging and creates a strong bonding between the team members.
• The second rationale of having a group discussion is to identify potential leaders. Organizations have to focus on succession planning. This means that when a person at the top retires or resigns from the job, there should be a person who is groomed to take his position immediately and thereby ensure that there is no gap, which will affect the working of the organization.

Process of a Group Discussion

8-10 candidates sit in a circle. A senior employee from the human resources called as the facilitator comes in and greets the team. He then gives a topic to the whole group. The entire group is then given 2-3 minutes time to put down their points on paper. The discussion then starts and the facilitator moves out of the picture and takes on the role of an observer.

A group discussion should not stretch beyond 20 minutes. The company expects the candidates to have two rounds of discussions. Participants are required to decide on the time, which each member should take, to put forth his views. In the first round, each member is expected to share his thoughts on the topic. In the second round, the candidates can add on new points to what they have already mentioned, or put forth their thoughts, if they do not agree with the opinion of any group member. After the end of the second round, one candidate is expected to summarize the whole discussion, and come to a conclusion, which should be accepted by all the group members.

The Actual Scenario

Drawing from my practical experience of over 20 years, both, as a candidate and a facilitator, I can say with conviction, that the actual process mentioned above, never happens. Once the facilitator moves away from the scene, after asking the group members to start the discussion, there is absolute silence for the first few seconds. Gradually one person starts speaking, and then within a matter of few minutes, it becomes a free for all. This is precisely where one candidate intervenes, and gets the whole group together, to ensure that the group discussion goes smoothly. Such a person, who controls or oversees the group discussion, is called ‘the natural leader'.

Candidates have a wrong perception, that if they start and control the entire discussion, they will get selected, even though they do not have sufficient knowledge of the topic. Taking up a leadership role is excellent, but a leader is also expected to analyze and contribute his thoughts. Another danger of initiating the group discussion, lies in the fact that, if the leader is not able to take the team with him and somebody takes away the leadership from him, it will go against him. He needs to ensure that he sees the group discussion through till the end.

A leader is expected to ensure the following:

• All participants get equal time
• No one tries to dominate the discussion
• No one insults or humiliates any group member
• Encourages other candidates to start the discussion
• Request a candidate to speak if he has been silent
• Request a group member to summarize and conclude the discussion to the satisfaction of the whole group

Qualities Judged in a Group Discussion

• Honesty: Honesty is the foundation on which any organization is built. If a candidate lies during a group discussion, it is very evident that he will carry the same habit with him, if he gets selected. No organization will compromise on honesty. A candidate should ensure that he does not give any false or misleading information during the group discussion.

• Time Management: Organizations have stringent deadlines. Likewise, a group discussion should not go beyond 20 minutes. All candidates are allowed to deliberate, but the bottom line is to make their point, within the time allotted. If a candidate exceeds the time limit without any regard for other group members, it is obvious that he can never be part of a team
• Excellent Oral Communication and Listening Skills: Each employee is expected to hone this very critical skill. Businesses around the globe work on communication. Here communication does not mean using bombastic language or showing off your linguistic skills, but getting the message across in the way, it is expected to be understood by the listener. Listening is another quality which unfortunately is a rarity. Powerful listeners can virtually create miracles within the organization.
• Open Mindedness: Since employees are expected to work in teams, they should be open to all ideas, shared by other group members. This is because people come from different social and cultural backgrounds. It is natural that the thought process will differ from person to person. Similarly, in a group discussion, if a group member tends to frequently argue with other members, it is very clear, that he can never be part of a team.

• Analytical Skills: The ability to size up a problem and come out with a logical solution is very critical. In a group discussion, the way in which a candidate looks at the topic and shares his views, becomes the deciding factor.
• Excellent knowledge of the topic: An employee is expected to be hands on, with his line of function. Likewise, in a group discussion, the knowledge of the candidate about the topic, gives the organization an idea, as to how much he is updated with all the latest developments.
• Encouraging and supportive nature: While working in a group, there should be total harmony within the entire group. Lack of harmony will lead to disintegration within the group, which will ultimately go on to affect the organization. Likewise in a group discussion, there may be candidates who probably need a little push or encouragement to get them going. But there is a very thin line of difference between pushing and insulting a candidate. All group members need to be very careful.
• Excellent Mannerisms: While living in a society we are expected to follow certain norms, which reflect our values and upbringing. Likewise in an organization, there are rules and regulations, which are to be strictly followed. It is broadly termed as organizational decorum or organizational culture. In a group discussion, candidates who use foul language, insult group members, are short tempered, very egoistic and so on, will not only destroy the group but also show the organization in bad light. Employees are ultimately the brand ambassadors of the organization.

Negative Traits to be avoided in a group discussion

• Making false statements
• Having no regard for time
• No knowledge of the topic
• Frequently interrupting or humiliating group members
• Trying to dominate the discussion
• Forcing a member to speak
• Using foul language
• Making sarcastic remarks
• Negative body language

To conclude, if a candidate keeps the aforesaid points in mind during a group discussion, he is bound to taste success.

Source: Girish Seshamani (Chief Advisor with Shiksha.com)

You can also participate in our discussion on GD PI after CAT and Other Management Entrance Examinations here.