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GD Preparation
While selection tools and techniques like tests,
interviews etc. provide good data about an individual, they fall
short in providing real life data of how an individual would be
performing in a real life situation especially a group situation.
Team work being an integral part of the BPO work profile, it is
important to ascertain group and inter-personal qualities of an
individual. Group discussion is a useful tool to ascertain these
qualities and many organizations use GDs as a selection tool along
with Personal Interviews, aptitude tests etc. A GD is an activity
where
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Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a
leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to analyse
and discuss within a given time limit, which may vary between
twenty minutes and forty-five minutes, or
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They may be given a case study and asked to
come out with a solution for a problem
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They may be given a topic and are asked to
discuss the same
1. Preparing for a Group Discussion: While
GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing for
it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you
prepare for GDs:
Reading: This is the first and the most
crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the
more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may
read anything to everything, you must ensure that you are in good
touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion
and also with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are
the topics would be around these. Read both for the thoughts as well
as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and
then create your point of view with rationale. Also create answers
for counter arguments for your point of view. The electronic media
also will be of good use here.
Mocks: Create an informal GD group and
meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the best
way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts
and how well can you convince. Remember, it is important that you
are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in
these mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final
day. Also try to interact and participate in other GD groups. This
will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well.
2. During the Group Discussion:
What do the panelists assess:Some of the
qualities assessed in a GD are:
Leadership Skills - Ability to take
leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team
along to help them achieve the group's objectives.
Communication Skills - Candidates will be
assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of
language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to
accommodate others views.
Interpersonal Skills - People skills are
an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to
interact with other members of the group in a brief situation.
Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal
relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less
self-centered.
Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze
and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives.
GD is a test of your ability to think, your
analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a
team-based environment.
These are some of the sub-skills that also get
assessed with the skills mentioned above:
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Clarity of thought
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Group working skills (especially during a
group task of case study discussion)
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Conflict handling
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Listening and probing skills
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Knowledge about the subject and individual
point of view
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Ability to create a consensus
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Openess and flexibility towards new ideas
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Data based approach to decision making
While, it is not possible to reflect all these
qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to show
a couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on
others.
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