“Most great learning happens in a group. Collaboration is the stuff of growth.”– Ken Robinson
In our everyday lives, groups form a major part of our daily interaction and communication.
A group is defined as a number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together.
Groups provide a sense of identity and inclusion. They also serve as a means to know the other
individual. In the context of interviews or any other formal interaction, group discussion refers to a communicative situation that allows its participants to share their views and opinions with other participants. Typically, these group discussions form a vital component in selection processes and recruitment into companies. Most often, individuals falter under pressure and do not quite succeed at facilitating a smooth group discussion.
Several strategies and important pointers have been discussed by experts across on how to crack a group discussion, yet unprecedented events take control sometimes, and things don’t go a good way. For an effective group discussion, one must understand the importance of one and know the skills required for smooth facilitation of a group discussion. The purpose of a
group discussion is to facilitate an exchange of ideas and perspectives among different members in the group, thereby uncovering the interpretations and meanings of other people’s perspectives.
Why is group discussion important?
Group discussion forms an essential component throughout one’s life from a
student to an employee to being the managing director.
● As a student, group discussion helps one to train yourself to discuss and argue about the topic given.
● It also helps you to express your views on serious subjects and informal situations.
● Group discussion improves your thinking, listening and speaking skills.
As an employee, group discussion will help one project their ideas and perspectives about any given topic, thereby assessing skills and assets that can prove beneficial to the company.
What are the expectations of the panel?
Typically, a panel for group discussion consists of the technical and HR (Human
Resource) experts of the company. They are involved in observing and evaluating participants of the team. The panel chooses the rules- the time limit, what to expect and evaluation. The panel does not interfere during the discussion; it only observes. The panel at its discretion may provide some time to think over the topic or may ask them to start immediately. Each candidate is supposed to express their opinion either supporting or against the topic. The discussion carries on until the panel signals termination. It is left to the discretion of the panel to extend or cut short the given time.
Some qualities that are expected from the members include:
● Being a team player
● Reasoning abilities
● Leadership qualities
● Flexibility
● Appropriate assertiveness skills
● Ability to take initiative
● Creativity (out of the box thinking)
● Ability to inspire others
● Listening skills
● Awareness of self and others
Phases in a group discussion
● Initiation/introduction- The group members are introduced to the setting, other participants and made familiar about the rules and topic of discussion.
● The central group discussion – Members are asked to debate for and against a given topic, asked the generate solutions and provide opinions.
● Summarization / conclusion- The essence of the group discussion is laid, and members conclude their perspectives.
Do’s and Don’ts in a group discussion
● Speaking is important; do not sit silently. 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.
● Do not interrupt anyone while they are speaking.
● Keep the topic on track and don’t be irrelevant.
● Encourage someone who is silent to talk.
● Do not argue with anyone.
● Do not debate with anyone, while the group looks on.
●Do not repeat what has been said; be attentive; try to develop on ideas expressed or give out new ideas.
● Clarify your doubts and then proceed.
● Be brief.
● Do not commit grammatical errors while talking.
How to stand out in a group discussion?
● Arrive early
● Prepare your introduction- first impressions matter.
● Maintain a confident body language
● Pay attention to other members and ask relevant questions
● Take the lead, but be inclusive of other members needs’ and perspectives
● Speak up, do not remain silent
● Maintain professional etiquette
Thus, in conclusion, it can be said that group discussions serve as an important tool for recruitment and other procedures and effective management of a group discussion can lead to success.