Round Table Evaluation

The group discussion stage, is the second stage in most business school admission processes in India. Although its weightage in the overall process is relatively lower than the written exam and the personal interview, the round can prove to be tricky at times. While a strong performance in this round doesn’t guarantee a selection but a poor performance can go a long way in rejecting the candidature. This article focuses on the skills that are tested as part of this round and how candidates can be best prepared to ace this round.

There are certain important skills that are tested for an aspiring management professional as part of the group discussion stage. The primary skill that is tested is his / her ability to communicate crisply and freely. Such a skill is paramount in future negotiations or discussions in a candidate’s corporate career. In addition, a key skill that is tested is also about the candidate’s ability to work with others in a group and how well they build on others’ viewpoints.

Aspiring management professionals can look at the following avenues to be best prepared for this round. Most topics given during this round revolve around current affairs. Candidates should read the newspapers and business magazines thoroughly over the next couple of months. It is likely that topics around GST, demonetisation, the budget and foreign affairs are likely to be given. For candidates,a critical skill to be practiced is argument construction.  The standard framework for argument construction is to start with the argument (I think A is good for the economy) followed with the reason (A is good as it leads to an increase in B, C) followed with the evidence (for example, in the past, data points D, E prove it).
There are some obvious tips that candidates can follow to improve their chances at this stage,

•    Never be selfish: It is advisable to not come across as selfish in the discussion. Nobody likes a candidate who keeps talking endlessly. It is best to ensure that all points are made in not more than thirty seconds.
•    Simplify: It is best to speak in simple sentences without unnecessary qualifiers and adverbs. All points to be made can follow the Argument, Reason and Evidence construct.
•    Summarise: A few minutes into the discussion, it is a smart tactic to summarise where the group stands on the points made in the discussion. If pulled off well with most points accommodated, a natural leadership flair is on display about the candidate.
•    Avoid extreme opinions: Irrespective of what a candidate’s personal opinions are, it is not recommended that a candidate take extreme positions in a discussion (e.g., Mr.ABC sucks, I hate XYZ). It should also be remembered that the panelists will ask you follow up questions on your opinions in the personal interview round.
•    Avoid incorrect statements: Needless to say, socially and politically incorrect statements have to be avoided (e.g. women should take care of home because it is their primary responsibility)
Despite your best preparation, your group discussion can go completely haywire in case you have a ‘noise polluter’ or a ‘jackass’ in the panel as one of the other candidates. A ‘noise polluter’ keeps on talking, ranting along without allowing anyone else to speak. The following are some pointers on how to handle a noise polluter,
•    A noise polluter will incorrigibly interrupt when you speak. In such a scenario, it is best to assertively comment, “Give me 10 more seconds please. Let me finish my point.”
•    A noise polluter will often alienate everyone as everyone will dislike him instantly. In such a case, it is best to form implicit alliances with other members in the panel. It is a smart move to ‘agree’ to others and ‘building on their lines of reasoning’. Often, the other person will return the favour and will start favouring you.
•    If things go completely south with the ‘noise polluter’ rampaging along, it may be necessary to resort to tough language along lines of ‘let others make their point, your point has been made, let us hear another point of view’.

In a nutshell, although the group discussion process is a lesser weightage round in the business school admission process, it can prove to be very tricky as a strong performance doesn’t guarantee a selection but a poor performance almost assures a rejection. Irrespective of the business school selection process, mastering the skills in a group discussion go a long way in driving corporate success!