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5 Habits of Group Discussion Winners

Praqtise — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 13:55:10 +0000

All the discussion about group discussion

It is the month of March, the time that leads up to MBA admission interviews in April/May. Everyone applying for an MBA college is gearing up for the next phase. Sahil and Nikunj are classmates from BBA. They see that the talk in most online forums is revolving around one topic – group discussion.

Sahil is someone who enjoys the prospect of group discussions. He has competed in events that involved group discussion rounds and has been successful at them. Sahil does not understand why so many applicants are in frenzy about the GD rounds. He speaks his mind to Nikunj.

Sahil- ‘I do not understand all the fuss about group discussion.’

Nikunj- ‘Easy for you to say, I am pretty nervous about it. Not everyone is a GD champ like you.’

Sahil- ‘Hey… it’s not as if I was born to crack any group discussion! I happen to find it easy, just as you find it easy to talk to the ladies…’

Nikuj- ‘Oh come on! I’m serious here, how do you keep your wits in a GD? Everyone is so keen to drive the discussion and stand out. Seriously, I want to know your secret!”

Sahil- ‘Haha… there is no secret my friend! But I’ll be more than happy to tell you how I approach GDs.’

The habits of GD winners

As Sahil tells us, doing well in a group discussion is a matter of approach. There is no special secret that one needs to know to crack a group discussion. Following are some of the traits that make some people consistently good at GDs.

Adapt to your environment

Each phase of the MBA admission process tests a different quality/attribute. Through a group discussion, the colleges are looking for someone who can drive for consensus. What this means is that one may have to play different roles when participating in a GD.

The environment of each group discussion is different. In one instance, one may have a group of loud and aggressive individuals. In another, one might have to take the lead in a group of reserved and restrained participants. The panellists and the topic that they give also influence the settings.

People who handle group discussions well are able to identify their role early on. In an aggressive group, one can try and be the calming influence, providing a broader context to the discussion. In a passive group, one may have to raise questions and bring out opinions. Defining your role will help you participate in the discussion smoothly and effectively.

It’s not about the group discussion topics, it’s about discussing them

Let’s say you are a non-engineer. The topic for the group discussion is ‘Advantages of having V-shaped engines in automobiles’. Safe to say, this is not likely to be your area of expertise.

However, just by looking at the topic there are some questions that pop up naturally? You cannot ask the obvious ‘What?’ directly, but you can ask tangential questions.

Is this a new technology? Is it very niche or prevalent in some regions?
Can India be considered to be ready for this technology? If not, why?

Let’s say that one person points out that road infrastructure is not up to the mark. The discussion can then be driven towards how infrastructure needs to be revamped. This is one area that you would perhaps know more about.

And this is how you can drive the discussion in your favour.

Create the opportunity to speak, don’t keep waiting for it

During a discussion, it is easy to be left out if some participants are in flow. Though it might appear rude or obtrusive to break in, keeping silent is definitely not going to help. Get into the discussion in a formal and polite way. Say ‘Sorry to interrupt you, but…’ and then present your opinion. A more natural way would be ‘That is an interesting point, can I also suggest…’ Remember, you need not argue or counter the viewpoints. Agreeing with the other participants or adding to what they are saying is natural and something that you can use to your advantage.

Take the initiative to involve everyone

Learning from the experience of past applicants, one of the most insightful GD tips is to involve everyone in the discussion. There are instances when panellists stop a discussion and ask some of the inactive participants to speak out. Although this is not necessarily a bad thing, in the true spirit of a discussion it is better to have everyone participate.

However, you might feel that trying to involve people would undermine your own chances. This is not the case as panellists will notice and appreciate your effort to make the group discussion more open.

Also, having more viewpoints will enhance the quality of the discussion. This is something that will not just benefit one individual but the whole group. Panellists will be very picky while selecting participants from a bad round of discussion. The opposite is true for a balanced, objective discussion- all participants appear in a good light.

Bring in some original perspective

Try and think of the GD phase from the viewpoint of the selectors. They have to listen to hundreds of aspirants speaking on a limited number of topics. Especially in the case of GD topics on current affairs, it is easy for the discussion to become banal.

In such a scenario, an original thought or perspective is like a breath of fresh air. Expressing your genuine opinion about the issue and providing the rationale behind it will make you stand out. Outlandish opinions can also be justified.

To quote an instance from one particular GD, the topic at hand was ‘Corruption in India’. The group made a meal out of the topic. Most participants were quoting facts and statistics and taking up the usual anti-corruption stand. One participant, however, suggested that corruption can make life easy sometimes. Using the example of accidentally breaking the traffic signal, he said he would prefer paying a small bribe rather than following the prevailing procedure of depositing his license and paying the fine at the traffic authority office.

While certainly not an ethical suggestion, it was a practical one which was welcome by the panel.

What are your key tactics to crack a group discussion? Let us know in the comments.

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Why do some colleges prefer a group exercise over a group discussion?

Praqtise — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 05:56:27 +0000

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:

A few members are tied with ropes. The other members are asked to free them without touching them.
A single brick is placed on the floor and the entire group is asked to stand on it.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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3 tips to direct the flow of MBA Interview Questions

Praqtise — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:35:18 +0000

It’s all about the pressure!

Ram and Rima are two very good friends preparing to get into premier management institutes. They have always studied together whenever they are preparing for the exam. Ram is very confident that he will easily get into one of the top business schools, but Rima is not very confident. Rima always wonders what it is that makes Ram so confident about getting into one of the top schools. The following is a conversation between Ram and Rima about MBA interview questions:

Rima: Hey, Ram, would you mind if I asked you a question?

Ram: Of course, not.

Rima: How is it that even after studying together and preparing together, you are so confident that you will get into a premier management institute and I am not?

Ram: It’s simple, silly. Since you are appearing fresh out of college, you have never faced an interview. Whereas I have appeared for numerous interviews when I was looking for a job. Hence, I am very confident that I will be able to crack the personal interview.

Rima: I have heard that personal interviews are very difficult. That most students buckle under the pressure and say something stupid to ruin their interview.

Ram: You are right. I know how interviews work. The interviewer wants to know how well the student can perform under pressure.

Rima: So, is that why you are always calm and composed, even when under so much pressure of the entrance examinations?

Ram: Yes, Rima. I think even you should start MBA interview preparation. Because, I think that it is the key to get into the top management schools in India. Personal Interviews are the rounds where you can beat any candidate, however smart they may be.

The thing about MBA admission interviews

Most students who are preparing to get into an MBA college are always worried whether or not they will be able to crack the interview. They are so worried about the MBA interview questions, that they forget that it is not just about getting the answers right. Aspirants are clear about expected questions about current affairs or previous studies. It is the thought of abstract questions that troubles them more.

Here, the main aim of the interviewer is not to know whether or not you know the answers to his questions. Rather, the main aim of the interviewer is to gauge your skills in critical thinking, more than anything else. Your ability to communicate and relate is much more important than whether or not you know the answers. One of the most important factors in MBA personal interview is how well you can perform under pressure.

Here are three tips which can help you take charge of the flow of your MBA interview:

1. Find out about the process of the interview

Every business school has a unique approach when it comes to conducting personal interviews and asking MBA interview questions. Different business schools look for different qualities and depending on what quality they value more; they have a different perspective on the interview. Find out in-depth about the interview processes of the different business schools where you plan to apply. The following questions may prove helpful in analysing the interview pattern:

What information about you will the interviewer have access to?

Some business schools provide the interviewer with the extensive details about the candidates. Others provide just a short bio of the candidates. You can benefit a great deal by knowing beforehand, how much the interviewer knows about you.

Who will conduct the interview? Will there be just one interviewer or a panel?

You must know beforehand who will be conducting the interview. There are subtle differences between answering to a single person, and answering to a panel. Usually, b-school admission interviews are conducted by a panel.

Where will the interview be held?

The venue and the time of the interview play an important part in planning for the interview. If the venue for the interview is in a different city, then you must plan the travel and accommodation accordingly. Give yourself a day to acclimatise with the new place before you appear for the interview. If you are well-rested and more comfortable in the new environment, you will be able to perform better.

2. Know and understand yourself and provide them with a view of the real you

Your answers to the MBA interview questions are your chance to reveal yourself to them. Speak about your past experiences, your current endeavours, and your future goals in a way that they can relate to.

Over and above the ability to be concise, it is also necessary for you to be able to relate your past with your present and with your future. Show them how your past experiences affected you and how they have shaped your present. Describe how your past experiences and your current knowledge will help you attain your future goals. If you have faced difficult situations in the past, describe how you dealt with them and emerged as a winner. Develop anecdotes which can relate to your past, present, and future, and use them to lighten the mood whenever necessary.

Don’t shy away when answering personal questions, especially about your past. Through an insight into your personal life, the interviewer can understand why you are, the way you are. Be prepared to narrate stories which can help the interviewer connect the dots between your past, present and future.

Precisely remember the details that you have mentioned in your resume. Even though the information is about you, there are chances that you might forget it when subjected to pressure. Have a specific goal in mind, do not leave your goals open for interpretation.

3. Prepare for MBA interview questions that may take you by a surprise

MBA Interview questions can sometime be the most curious and startling of the questions you might ever hear in an interview. These questions may relate to anything, current events, history, or even your own past. Expect such questions so that they don’t catch you off guard. The motive of the interviewer is not to startle you, but to find out how you can deal with situation that may catch you off guard. Maintain your composure and your presence of mind to be able to deal with such questions. This is one section of the interview which you can easily turn in your favour by simply displaying the right temperament.

You can also guide your answers to such MBA interview questions through your experiences of the past. Relate the question to similar situation which you might have faced in the past. Come up with analogies that can help you explain your answer in relation to the problems that you faced in the past. Moreover, you can conclude the answers by explaining how your experiences have made you more capable to attain your goals.

Pay heed to the basics: First impression is the last impression

This might sound very cliché, but it is one of the most important part of an interview. How you present yourself can say a lot about you well before you actually start speaking. The failure to adhere to the basics of presenting yourself can hurt your chances of cracking the interview more than you think it can. Here are some pointers which you can follow and the things that you should avoid when appearing for MBA personal interviews.

Things to follow:

Dress formally for the interviews. This shows that you are serious about the interview.
Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and friendly expression.
Maintain eye-contact with the interviewer during the interview. Be confident.
Maintain a good body posture at all times.
Be comfortable with who you are.
A positive attitude during the interview can never hurt your chances.

Things to avoid:

Do not become defensive when challenged or questioned about any incident, idea, action or opinion.
Avoid speaking negatively about your past experiences.
Do not come across as desperate. No institution ever wants to admit a desperate student.
Do not address the interviewer incorrectly; ‘Sir’ and ‘Madam’ are the most convenient options.
Switch off your phone during the interview. Nothing can be as important as the interview.

Can you share with us an interview success story from your past? What single aspect/factor helped you crack the interview? Kindly share your experience in the comments.

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