GD/PI techniques Tips

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December 5, 2007

GROUP DISCUSSION

A group conversation (GD) is a simulated exercise, where you cannot suddenly put up a show, since the evaluators will see through you easily. In this article you can find tips on GD and how to handle them to make sure a optimistic outcome.

Here’s how most group debates work

1. The group may be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same.

2. Normally groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to examine and discuss within a given time limit.

A board will observe the proceedings and evaluate the members of the group.

OBJECTIVE

Let’s start from the basic. One wants to know what one’s objective in the group is. A good definition of your objective is - to be noticed to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt to help the group reach the right consensus. What does this essentially mean?

(1). the second important insinuation is that making just any sort of contribution is not enough. Your payment has to be meaningful. A meaningful payment suggests that

A. You have a good knowledge base

B. You are able to put forth your arguments logically and are a good communicator.

C. The quality of what you said is more valuable than the quantity. There is this myth amongst many group discussion participants that the way to succeed in a group discussion is by speaking loudly and at great length. One could not be more wrong. You must have meat in your arguments.

Always enter the room with a piece of paper and a pen. In the first two minutes jot down as many ideas as you can. When you jot down points, keep these pointers in mind. If it is a topic where you are predictable to take a stand, say designed for example, “Should India sign the complete Test Ban Treaty?” note down points for both sides of the argument. It will be useful on two counts –

One, if you do not create the GD and are not amongst the first five speakers and find that everyone in the group be talking for the topic, and then it makes sense to take the alternate approach plus oppose the topic even if you initially intended to talk for the topic.

Second, it helps to have knowledge of how group members who take a stand diametrically opposite to yours will put forth their quarrel and to be prepared with counter influence.

(2). Everybody else will state the obvious. So highlight some points that are not obvious. The different perspective that you bring to the group will be highly appreciated by the panel. Some pointers on being relevant while having a different perspective are:

A. Gaining support or influencing colleagues is the mantra adopted by many a successful usiness Leaders.

B. Nobody expects a group of ten intelligent, assertive people, all with different points of view on a controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus. But what matters is “Did you make attempts to build a consensus?”

C. The reason why an attempt to build a consensus is important is because in most work situations you will have to work with people in a team, accept joint responsibilities and take decisions as a group.

D. Be careful that the “something different” you state is still relevant to the topic being debated.

E. Can you take the group ahead if it is stuck at one point?

F. Can you take it in a fresh and more relevant direction?

G. The last implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a consensus.

H. You must demonstrate the fact that you are capable and inclined to work as part of a team.

Top MBA Institute Personal Interview Tips (PI)

The center of a B-school interview can range from specific questions about your job to broad discussions on life. Approach the interview as a conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal. It may be about your hobbies - your recent cross-country trip. This doesn’t mean that the interviewers are not solemn. It just means that you’re being sized up as a human being and a future professional in all your dimensions.

Try to be your witty, charming, natural self. Donor try to put on. The interviewers will be able to see your mask through. Students, faculty, admissions personnel and alumni conduct interviews. Don’t send away students as the lightweights.

It is important to have a good idea of “What you consider to be your greatest strength, why and what are some example that show this”, before you go into an meeting. Although the interviewer will most likely ask a number of pointed questions, you may also encounter something as broad as “So, tell me about physically.” These open ended questions are usually the ones that help you lead the interview.

Either way, you should have in mind what you want to convey about who you are before you go into any meeting. Lack of preparation is a common complaint among interviewers, and if you are prepared, you

Don’t Waste Time

Don’t waste time discussing things that are by now indicated on your application. You can elaborate if the topic illustrates something about your character and preparedness for the b-school experience, but do not be redundant.

Remember that the first impression you create is very important. When asked to say “something about physically”, the majority candidates just blurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is by now present in the application. Why tell the interviewer something he/she already knows. Ideally, you would want to employ this chance to show how you are different from the thousands of other candidate, not to mix together in to the crowd.

A final word on imminent this question. After you have said what you have to say - don’t venture any further. Don’t hum you just might say amazing foolish. Sometimes interviewers don’t interrupt in arrange to give the candidate the impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a stress/error inducing method. Don’t fall for it. If the pause gets too uncomfortable for your liking, just add something like, “be present something specific that you would similar to to know concerning me”

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