Group Discussion: Success Tips

My tacit understanding of the purpose of conducting Group Discussions in the selection process.

1. Group Discussion Success Tips

“Man is a social animal.”

Any society consists of individuals, groups and institutions. A group is
made to achieve some common goals. Individuals agree to be a part of a
group because a group can be more powerful, and therefore be more
successful. A group expects that its members would behave according to
established norms. These norms are nothing but moral and ethical
standards of behaviour which are based on shared values. These norms
help the group functions smoothly at all times. These norms also so help
the group achieve its common goal efficiently and if possible effectively.
A corporate or company is also a formal group of professionals. The
minimum norms of behaviour that are expected in a corporate or
organization are;

A. Team spirit

B. Leadership

C. Formal communication

 What is Team Spirit?
It is the capacity to sacrifice selfish interest for group goals.
 What is leadership?
It is the presence of courage to shoulder difficult responsibilities and risk
personal failure.
 What is formal communication?
It is the wisdom to minimize emotions so as to focus on task at hand.

GD in campus interviews are designed to test a candidate’s level of
maturity. It also tests general awareness; ability to analyze a complicated
situation without getting emotional or personal; taking a decision that is
socially acceptable and finally, verbalizing one’s thoughts in a persuasive,
forceful and hence, influential manner.
Human history is a story of such great leaders!

2. General tips for group discussion
1. Discussion is not a debate. No need to fight. Fighting is a work better
left to soldiers. Think win-win.
2. Don't rush to speak, just to impress. Seek first to understand, then to
be understood.
3. Avoid closed and backward body language.
4. Read the editorial page in newspapers everyday to understand
current affairs and develop a healthy worldview.
5. Speak at a medium speed and clearly. Be loud enough to be heard
by the entire group. Low volume is equal to low confidence and a
possible sign of psychological issues.
6. Never generalize. For example, “All women are blah, blah, blah…
7. Do not get personal. Remember to act dispassionately.
8. Speak what you truly believe in. But don't let it hurt someone's
sentiments. You will be labeled as brutally honest.
9. Counter arguments of opponents with facts and statistics.
Also, provide references, when challenged.
10. Try to build a team by simply appreciating the efforts of other
participants. It is the beginning of networking. During a crisis
neighbours are the most likely to come to our rescue first.
11. Always focus on the group, not on the moderator. Control your
selfish instincts.
12. A leader helps group members. A team player helps the leader.

Institute of Hotel Management, Hajipur
04:47 PM, June 19, 2020