Group Discussion as a Selection Tool

Group discussions are used as a selection tool for admission to professional courses and for some jobs. In this situation, group discussion may look like a competitive activity, but in fact, it is a method to test the candidate's ability to work together with others, in a team.
The ability to draw out the ideas of others, to develop solutions and innovations through pooling ideas and contributions from other group members, is an important leadership quality. Hence, a skillful group member is one who listens attentively to others, respect others' views, and guides the discussion towards a solution and a good conclusion.

Some common mistakes in a group discussion are:

– Competing to be the first to talk
– Trying to talk the most
– Putting down others ideas
– Trying to dominate
– Talking loudly and trying to drown the voice of others

NONE OF THESE ACTIONS CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM, AND THEY DEMONSTRATE LACK OF TEAM SKILLS.

Some favorable things to do are:

– Quickly divide the given topic into the aspects that can be usefully discussed to lead to a conclusion; it shows that you can analyze the topic or situation and have the ability to move towards a solution.
– Try to ensure that everyone contributes. If you find that someone has not contributed, say, "AAA has not said anything, I'm sure she has something to say."
– Try to maintain or restore order in an unruly discussion. If everyone begins to talk at once, you can say, "Let's speak only one at a time, so we can get everyone's ideas."
– You can keep a watch on the time. At a suitable moment, you can say, " We have used up -- minutes and have -- minutes left. Let's work towards reaching a consensus.
– Whatever you say or do should demonstrate that you are including every member, are respectful to all ideas, and are working towards a joint solution or conclusion.