GD Session
- 1. Group discussion best practices An IIMB NSRCEL & Goldman Sachs Supported Firm
- 2. Group Discussions- Agenda Why GD What recruiters evaluate Strategies for dealing with different types of GDs Dos & Don’ts Way forward
- 4. Group Discussion Overview Group Discussion(GD) is a discussion in a formal setting conducted as a part of selection process in examinations and campus placements Why GD To test your ability to work and contribute towards team To test your communication skills (including oral & listening), leadership skills To shortlist candidates when pool is large Some Facts About the GD Its DISCUSSION not DEBATE More than HOW MUCH you speak, WHAT you speak is also very important You role in GD should be CONTRIBUTOR not DOMINATOR LISTENING is as important as SPEAKING
- 6. What recruiters are looking for? Begins or concludes discussion (with good content) Quality of Content & clarity of thought process Listening Skill (Demonstrated by how you respond to others points) Communication Skills Behavioral skills/Body Language Leadership Skills Build on points by others Sharp and arrogant interruption of others (negative) Frequent and Consistent Participation
- 8. Strategies to deal with different types of GDs
- 9. GD strategy Your familiarity level with topic Before starting GD During GD At Conclusion Low Low content strategy High High content strategy
- 10. GD strategy – Low content strategy Your familiarity level with topic Before starting GD During GD At Conclusion Low • Use some frameworks such as: • Who is getting affected by this (me, society, consumer, global etc.) • Different aspect of topics such as 5Cs, 4Ps, PESTLE, Porter’s etc. • Jot down related points • Listen the discussion through the lenses of your buckets/ structure which you created before GD • Point out the logical perspectives which are missing from the discussion • Also use above for logical remarks • Try to structure the discussion (try only 1 or 2 time) • Take notes (see next) • Make sure that you conclude, use your notes • Don’t give just your opinion, try to conclude on what group had discussed
- 11. GD strategy – Low content strategy - Example Topic (lets say you don’t know about a thing about this topic) • USA is going to become USD 30 tn economy by 2030 Before Starting GD • Who is going to get affected by this • Globally | Indian IT companies| Me • Different aspect : PESTLE • Political | Economic | Social | Technological | Environmental • Jot down related points During GD • Observe where discussion is going and add value to discussions Post GD • Try to conclude
- 12. GD strategy – High content strategy Your familiarity level with topic Before starting GD During GD At Conclusion High • Write down all the points which you know • Make a strategy on starting the discussion with good points • Create starting content for a 30 second to 1 min • Contribute in the discussion regularly • Listen and acknowledge others’ point • Respond to their point while also adding different aspects to discussion • Lead the discussion • Try to conclude, if possible else is also ok • Don’t give just your opinion, try to conclude on what group had discussed
- 13. Strategy for different types of GD GD type Strategy Business/ Economy • Factual: Be as factual & logical as possible • Prepare well: Read a lot to prepare for these topics • Listen well & be analytical/ logical: Be ready to analyze whatever being is said and respond to it Case studies • Structure: Be structured and try to bring a structure in the discussion before getting into numbers, use a framework of Objective> Approach> Analysis> Recommendation cycle • Analytical: Try to bring numbers in analysis depending upon the case • Synthesize & Conclude: Try to synthesize the discussion and conclude Fish Market GDs • Try to bring order first • Say something logical (use loud voice for entering into discussion and then speak moderately) • Don’t speak for the sake of speaking • Don’t look flustered, confused, helpless etc. in the fish market situation, listen to the person who is saying logically and respond appropriately, if required
- 14. Strategy for different types of GD GD type Strategy Abstract • Use your creativity • There is no right or wrong interpretation of topic • Try to lead the discussion with your point or try to bring 1-2 different perspectives • Listen carefully & build on others’ points • Use frameworks as discussed earlier
- 15. Do’s for GD Think before you speak. Start the GD only when you are sure to make a good start Speak in short and clear manner Be attentive and show interest when others are speaking Be objective rather than opinionated Inspire others to make their contribution Be aware about your body language Use only the valid data and statistics to support your point
- 16. Don’ts for GD Do not force your point on others Do not use exaggerated hand movements Do not bluff or throw arbitrary figures Do not cut others short Do not ask questions Do not go into one to one conversation Do not elaborate on only one aspect of the topic
- 17. FAQs 1. Should I always start the GD? If you have good understanding of topic, please try to start or at least speak early in the conversation. 2. What is best time to speak in GD? As indicated above, try to start as early as possible. Make also sure that you participate consistently in the discussion. 3. Should I support, oppose or take a balance stand? Take it objectively, cite examples / facts on whatever stand you take. However, if someone else provide an opposing view which is logical/ factual, acknowledge that don’t be glued to your stand only. 4. I don’t feel confident in GD because of my bad English, what should I do? Please do practice within groups, practice speaking in front of mirror or video record yourself and improve. 5. What should I do if discussion is losing focus? Try to bring everyone attention that group is deviating from the topic
- 18. FAQs 6. What I can do in a fish market situation? – Try to bring order first – Say something logical (use loud voice for entering into discussion and then speak moderately) – Don’t speak for the sake of speaking – Don’t look flustered, confused, helpless etc. in the fish market situation, listen to the person who is saying logically and respond appropriately, if required 7. Is it OK if I encourage others to speak ? It is OK, but not at the cost of your time. If you have content focus more on participating rather than encouraging others. In case you don’t have anything to speak, then only you can use this one or two times, post that gather your thoughts and participate.
- 20. Some more examples – Innovation in healthcare industries – Black or grey – How to expand BigFM – Use of AI in project management – Cement: A brand or commodity – How to influence customers while purchasing cement – Reverse innovation