Group Discussion Skills for MBA

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With the ever increasing number of aspirants for CAT and other MBA exams it is useful and necessary to focus our attention to the most important and widely used screening device called - Group Discussions or GD. This page talks about the important GD skills for MBA. Having observed thousands of candidates trying to do their best in the group discussion and dozens of experts on the selection panel who find the task of rejection rather difficult, Dr. Anjali Ghanekar feels there is a need to enhance the quality of the screening process.

The panel for Group Discussion in MBA entrance exams looks for the following skills in a candidate before making the final selection:
 

• Personal Skills for MBA GD

  In this category, the panel members look for initiative displayed by the candidate, his extent of self-confidence, his depth of knowledge, and level of understanding of the subject. Another important criterion would be the candidate's consistency in thinking and presentation of facts. The candidate must have his facts right. It is very important to see whether the candidate reiterates erroneous facts, whether he bombards others with data and confuses the issues at hand, whether he shows shallow understanding and superficial knowledge, etc. Such negative features if observed carefully may make the task or rejection easier.
  
  While selecting the right candidate, the ability in coherent organization and logical development of thought is looked for. Equally important would be his personal skill of logical and rational reasoning. Again, it would be useful to see whether he is relaxed, pleasant, courteous and co-operative (not cold and aloof.) Moreover, it is extremely important to look for the vital skill of assertiveness (not aggressiveness) in the right candidates.
   

• Group Skills

  In this category, the panel members look for the candidate's extent of value addition to the group, his ability to communicate ideas fluently and efficiently, his ability to listen attentively as well as his willingness to listen to logic and reason, besides his ability for sustained interest. The panel members also take note of the candidate's ability to enhance the quality of discussion; especially, his ability to contribute original points (not repeating the same points). Another major group skill would be the candidate's ability to discuss different dimensions. His ability to steer the group into discussing other angles is also looked for. Furthermore, it is observed whether the candidate has the ability to make consistent efforts to relate with others in the group. Last, but not the least, is the candidate's ability to build on valid points.
   

• Leadership Skill

  In this category, the candidate's ability to influence and persuade others, his ability to encourage and also to compromise is looked for. His ability to co-ordinate and summarize is also taken into account. Another important aspect would be his ability to build up the confidence of the group, thereby encouraging even the silent members to participate in the GD.