It is always fun to read about the admission experiences of MBA aspirants. Well, not always, it is not as exciting when nothing weird or unusual happens. This is how I felt while preparing for my own admission process. Little did I know that my own admission experience would turn out to be so unique! All thanks to the ridiculous group exercise that I went through!

I had prepared for a lot of things, but I was not prepared for being tied with ropes. Yes indeed, we were a group of 6 people. Two of us, including myself, had our hands and legs tied with some serious knots, and our team was supposed to free us without touching the ropes or us. We could not free ourselves but came very close. Although pretty weird, it is one incident that I remember very fondly!

Over the years, we have all become familiar with the concept of group discussions. There are voices in favour of as well as against the use of group discussions. Many selectors feel that group discussions are not the optimal way of bringing out a candidate’s qualities. This is why; students in the recent past have been dealing with a new monster – group exercise.

Some of the anecdotal incidents that you may hear about group exercises would feel downright unbelievable. In this article, we would paint a clear picture about group exercises and provide some useful tips as well.

What is a group discussion?

A group discussion is exactly what the name states it is. Selectors/panellists want to adjudge the communication skills of participants. They throw up a topic, either pertaining to some current affairs or an abstract one. The idea is to get the group to come to some conclusion. The topic can be in the form of a debatable argument, or a statement that is open to interpretation.

Selectors look for individuals who are able to set the tone of the discussion. They look for initiators and moderators within the group. The volume of your input is not as important as the value of your input. A person might speak only 3-4 times and still walk away a winner.

What are the shortcomings of the group discussion method?

A group discussion can be skewed if the topic is technical and some participants have subject matter expertise. One can even argue that introverts are naturally at a disadvantage in group discussions. The biggest argument against group is the fact that the actions of a few individuals can adversely affect the performance of all. It takes just 2 people to turn a good discussion into a fish market. In pressure situations, this tends to happen quite frequently. While salvaging a discussion can bring victory to you, it is not always possible.

What is a group exercise and what makes it better than a group discussion?

The problem with group discussions is attributable to one factor- they inspire participants to focus more standing out rather than contributing to the discussion. One tries to be loud rather than meaningful.

A group exercise turns this problem on its head. It makes participants think about the common goal rather than individual achievement. One still has the opportunity to shine out as a star player, but only by ensuring that the team succeeds.

In a group exercise, participants might have to alter their approach and even go adapt their nature. A natural leader would have to become a follower for the benefit of the group. Here, the participants are learning to let go of their primary instincts. The group needs to think as a whole unit and evaluate strengths and weaknesses accordingly. The idea is to collaborate and achieve what one cannot achieve individually.

What can one expect in the group exercise phase?

Institutes have been highly creative when it comes to setting group exercises. Here are some examples of the types of activities one can expect:

1. A few members are tied with ropes. The other members are asked to free them without touching them.
2. A single brick is placed on the floor and the entire group is asked to stand on it.
3. A bucket and a box of marbles are placed at a large distance from each other. The group is supposed to get the marbles into the bucket. One cannot walk while holding a marble and is not allowed to touch them. Only hollow sticks can be used to transport the marbles.

Which colleges prefer conducting a group exercise for admission?

Many of the top MBA programs in the country are turning towards this approach for selection. Some of the prominent names here are:

• SIBM (Pune)
• SCMHRD
• MICA

The popularity of the group exercise method is growing. More colleges are likely to incorporate it in their admission routine in the future.

What is being judged in a group exercise?

The best b-schools in India look for candidates with some specific attributes.  These are the qualities that the aspirants must demonstrate during the group activity.

1. Team ethic: The primary focus should be on performing well as a group. Being able to accomplish the task is the best result for all. It is also likely that some extremely difficult tasks are set just to test the team spirit, without much concern for the outcome.
2. Adaptability: Group tasks might force individuals to go out of their comfort zone. A quiet, introverted individual might have to become vociferous (and vice versa). This role reversal is reality in the corporate world.
3. Versatility: While most of the admission process is about proficiency in language, numbers and reasoning; group tasks test a different set of skills. They can put to test aspects such as dexterity, wit, camaraderie and leadership.
4. Composure: In a group task, one has to handle not just themselves but the group as well. Composure is a key trait as some members are sure to be more anxious or jittery. Maintaining composure under pressure can be the difference between success and failure.
5. Interpersonal skills: Aspirants are well aware of the importance of interpersonal skills. However, we can highlight that leadership, persuasion, and negotiation skills are basic qualities that all institutes wish to see in their students.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what a group exercise involves, do you feel more confident about it? Would you prefer a group activity over a GD? Have you been through a group task, if yes then how was your experience? Please let us know in the comments.