Group Discussion Success Tips

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. In return, 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 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 the 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 (convincing),  forceful (but, tactful) and hence,  influential manner.
 Human history is a story of such great leaders!


 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. "I win, you 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 with clarity. 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 personal 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