Group Discussions

What is a group? A collection of people, working together to get a job done. When they are working together in this way, the group process leads to a spirit of cooperation, coordination and commonly understood procedures. Because of this, the group performance is enhanced by their synergy and mutual support.

Why do we require groups?

To Combine talents and provide innovative solutions to unfamiliar problems wider skill and knowledge of the group provide group with an environment where the individuals level of responsibility and authority is enhanced, and where accountability is shared The bottom line is that the individuals talents are better utilized in a group.

The Top Ten Time Wasters

1. Crises. 2. Telephone calls. 3. Poor planning. 4. Attempting to do too much. 5. Drop-in visitors. 6. Poor delegation. 7. Personal disorganization. 8. Lack of self-discipline. 9. Inability to say no. 10. Procrastination.

Why do we have group discussions?

Ideas can be generated. Ideas can be shared. Ideas can be tried out. Ideas can be responded to by others. Groups provide a support and growth for any endeavour.

2 types of GD
Structured Unstructured Structured Group Discussions Initiator : He starts the topic of discussion. Information seeker : His role is to ask questions related to the topic Information giver : His role is to answer any questions raised during the discussion.

Procedure facilitator : He normally keeps track of the discussion by keeping minutes or notes. Opinion seeker : On every point raised, this person asks the opinion of the others regarding the value of that particular item raised. Opinion giver : Answers the opinion seeker and others. Clarifier : Suggests extra data they may require in order to clear up any point. Summarizer : Summarizes the discussion

Social Supporter : Encourages the group when

good points are raised. Harmonizer : Tries to consider the benefits from two opposing points of view. Tension Reliever : When tempers rise high, this person may try to consider the different angles raised. Energizer : Tries to develop someones good idea a little more. Compromiser : When the discussion becomes heated, he tries for a compromise. Gatekeeper : Encourages silent members to contribute.

Negative Roles to be Avoided

Disgruntled non-participant: someone who does not contribute and whose presence inhibits the participation of other group members. Attacker: someone who acts aggressively by expressing disapproval of other members and their contributions to the discussion.

 Dominator: someone who takes control of the discussion by talking too much, interrupting other members, or behaving in a patronising way. Clown: someone who shows off, refuses to take the discussion seriously, or disrupts it with inappropriate humour.

Unstructured Group Discussions

To assess a candidates personality traits. Team Player Companies lay great emphasis on this parameter because it is essential for managers to be team players. The reason is that managers always work in teams. At the beginning of his career, a manager works as a team member. And, later as a team leader. Management aspirants who lack team skills cannot be good managers.

Reasoning Ability Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or ideas at a GD. An opinion can be better stated by demonstrating your reasoning ability and completing the missing links between subject being discussed and the various items raised during the GD.

Leadership 1. shows direction to the group whenever group moves away from the topic. 2. coordinates the effort of the different team members in the GD. 3. contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights. 4. inspires and motivates team members to express their views.

Flexibility You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of your ideas: That is what flexibility is all about. Never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion. Assertiveness You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive and confident manner. Participants often confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness.

Initiative A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the initial points earmarked for the initiator. But that is a high risk-high return strategy. Initiate a GD only if you are well versed with the topic. Remember: You never ever get a second chance to create a first impression.

Creativity/ Out of the box thinking An idea or a perspective which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topic is always highly appreciated. When you put across a new idea convincingly, such that it is discussed at length by the group, it can only be positive. You will find yourself in the good books of the examiner. Listening Always try and strike a proper balance between expressing your ideas and imbibing ideas.

Awareness You must be well versed with both the micro and macro environment. Your awareness about your environment helps a lot in your GD content, which carries maximum weightage. The content or awareness generally constitutes 40 to 50 percent marks of your GD. Apart from these qualities, communication skills, confidence and the ability to think on ones feet are also very important.

Three different phases of GD

i. Initiation/ Introduction ii. The actual group discussion iii. Summarization/ Conclusion i) Initiation Techniques Initiating a GD is a high risk-high loss strategy. But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and figures, the damage might be irreparable.

 There are different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression: Quotes Definition Question Shock statement Facts, figures and statistics Short story General statement

ii) The Actual Group Discussion:

Speaking is important; do not sit silent. Speak freely. Do not monopolize the conversation or talk too much. Give everyone a chance to speak. Maintain eye contact with everyone in the group. Show active listening skills to impress facilitator. Do not interrupt anyone; let them finish their sentences. Keep the topic on track, and dont go into irrelevant paths.

 Encourage someone who may be silent or shy, especially ladies. Do not argue with anyone. Do not debate with any particular person while the group looks on. Do not repeat what has been said; try to develop on ideas expressed, or give out new ideas. Clarify anything that you have not understood, and then talk on it. Above all, be brief and succinct. Do not commit grammatical errors in your hurry to speak.

iii) Summarisation Techniques

Most GDs do not really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favour or against the topic. But every GD is summarised. You can summarise what the group has discussed in the GD in a nutshell. Keep the following points in mind while summarising a discussion: Avoid raising new points. Avoid stating only your viewpoint.

 Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD. Keep it brief and concise. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD. Remember - If you are asked to summarise a GD, it means the GD has come to an end. Do not add anything more.