GD PI Tips

GROUP DISCUSSION

What is a Group Discussion?

As the term itself suggests, a GD is a “discussion”, I repeat “discussion”, but most students misinterpret it to be a debate. They relate it to a boxing match and try to score points over the other participants. Think of a situation wherein you are sitting in a conference room along with 10 others who are dressed in immaculate black suits with laptops and Blackberry phones at their disposal. These gentlemen/ women have come together to discuss an issue or a phenomenon taking place in the company or outside. Now, picture a local fish market environment and combine the conference room environment and visualize what it looks like. For most of us who have appeared for GDs in the past, would become nostalgic about atleast on the GDs he/she has experienced in the past.

Attributes influencing one's performance in a GD

The term ‘GD’ tends to leave most candidates petrified. You can get rid of that feeling of fear just by remembering the amount of GDs that you have participated from childhood. Remember those heated discussions you had across the dinner table with family members, friends and relatives? Most importantly discussions regarding our Indian cricket team performance. Only difference that you have to be careful about is to not force your point of view on others, rather hear the group members out and then present your point in a logical and methodical manner exhibiting strength of content and courage of conviction.

Many a times, you would have often felt the desire to prove that you were right and they were wrong. A bundle of angst would build within you. Discard that feeling now. Remember, a GD is a discussion -- and not a debate -- between the members of a group.

Key Features of a GD

Human beings love debates because we like to win and see others lose. A debate is a perfect situation for expressing intense emotions. A GD, however, calls for a lot more maturity and logic

The purpose of a GD, though conducted in a competitive mode, is not to determine the winners and losers amongst the lot. Its purpose, as far as you are concerned, is to help you come across as a person with sound, logical reasoning and the ability to respect another's viewpoint.

A significant distinction between a GD and a debate is that, while a debate begins with two groups' bids to outwit each other, a discussion is evolutionary; this basically means participants have the opportunity to refine their views in the course of the discussion. Thus, every member needs to contribute substantially and add to the existing knowledge base instead of pulling each other down.

Therefore, the difference lies not just in style, but also in the mindset that is required to tackle challenges in an ongoing GD.

 

What does the GD panel expect from you as an ideal participant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 vital points to remember during a GD

Guidelines to be well prepared for a GD

1) Expand your horizon of knowledge.

Read good books based on world economics and try and form your opinion on current discussions. Reading newspapers always comes handy as you are updated with the latest happenings from time to time.

2) Be optimistic and have a friendly but professional attitude

Being optimistic and keeping a positive attitude makes you comfortable in crowd. During a GD it’s always advisable to wear a professional smile. Stay motivated and excited about the upcoming challenge.

3) Stay Focused and put in efforts to improve your GDPI related skills.

Practice in front of a mirror and try to initiate discussions amongst your peers.

4) Practice with your Friends/Family

Look for honest feedback from friends and family and work on your weaknesses.

5) Respect others’ views

One of the most critical challenges of coming across as a good participant in a discussion is to have the ability to see things from the other person's viewpoint and respect it even if you strongly disagree.

FAQs on Group Discussion

Is it important to start /initiate a GD, does it fetch you extra points?

Initiating a GD demonstrates leadership and initiation skills but it’s not always advisable to lead the GD unless you are totally well versed with the discussion topic. Many a times, candidates initiate a GD with a conclusion or irrelevant topic and that's when they seal their fate.

How many times shall I enter the discussion?

There is no rule of thumb as far as participating in a GD is concerned. What matters is making your intellectual presence felt in the discussion. I have seen people blabbering throughout the GD and not getting selected opposed to a candidate entering the discussion only once and taking the cake away.

What should be done when a GD turns chaotic?

Take the lead. Stop the chaos by asking the candidate shouting the loudest to put his point and move on. There is nothing much one can do to control such a situation but make sure you make your points and opinions clear. If nothing helps, stand up and ask the participants to quiet down.

How is a GD evaluated in CET/CAT like exams?

Along with your individual input, the overall flow of the GD is also given a lot of importance. If marks are to be allotted to each candidate (in case of CET), the major criterion of awarding marks is the way GD progressed as a whole. Individual contribution obviously matters but a smooth GD helps all the participants earn a few extra brownie points.

Feel free ask more questions in the comments section at the end of the article.

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

The Purpose

While there are many types of interviews, it is safe to say that the general purposes of an interview are to:

1) Get to know you on a personal level

2) Learn more about your qualifications/achievements

3) Allow for the gathering of information relevant to organizational needs

 

The Preparation

"preperation is key to a succesful interview"

1) Find out all you can about the b-school that you are aiming at before you go to the interview.

2) Practice your answers to common questions like:

Tell me about yourself.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Describe a major goal you've set for yourself recently.

What are your strengths?

We all have weaknesses. What are some of your major weaknesses?

Why MBA?

Why should we be considering you?

How do you spend your free time?

Tell me something about yourself that I didn't know from reading your resume/profile sheet

3) Make a list of questions to ask, too. Almost all interviewers will ask if you have questions. This is a great opportunity for you to show that you have done your homework and have put some thought into your questions.

Preparation will give you the confidence you need to perform well during your interviews.

Interviewing provides you with an opportunity to explain, in your own words, the ways in which your experiences, knowledge, skills, and aspirations combine to make you a desirable candidate for a b-school.

Additionally, the interview setting allows you to demonstrate your interpersonal skills, professionalism, and personal style. While most people claim (in resumes, profile sheet and cover letters) to possess interpersonal or communication skills, interviews provide you with the opportunity to actually demonstrate such skills. Another benefit of interviewing is the in-depth research you can perform on an organization as you prepare for and participate in different interviews.

During the Interview

Make sure you are well groomed

• Neatly combed hair
• Take care of personal hygiene
• Dress appropriately (formal wear)
• Well ironed clothes
• Polished shoes

Make a great impression

• The interview is your chance to show that you are the best person for the job.
• The employer will be looking and listening to determine if you are a good fit.
• To make the best impression, sell your strengths; arrive early, by about 10-15 minutes; be enthusiastic; shake hands firmly; be an active listener; sit up straight and maintain eye contact; ask questions.

Don't forget to say “thank you” to the interviewers.