GROUP DISCUSSION & ROLE OF LEADER IN GROUP DISCUSSION

Group Discussion, popularly known as GD, is an important tool used today for selection, elimination, placement of a right person for a job. A group of 10-12 candidates is formed. The group is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about, and then asked to discuss the topic among themselves for 20-30 minutes. Its evaluation is done by the subject experts based on the discussions. 

Following things are evaluated in Group Discussion:

#Communication Skills

#Content Knowledge

#Interpersonal Skills

#Team Building Skills

#Leadership Skills

#Analytical/Logical Skills

#Self-confidence and Assertiveness

#Different Thinking

#Initiative

#Group Behaviour and Coordination Skills

#Time Management

Role of Leader/Leadership in Group Discussion:

1)Initiator of Discussion: Leader is one who initiates the discussion. He puts forward the agenda of discussion before the group members. Accordingly, the group members discuss the topic.

2)Maintains Discipline: Some times, some members behave unruly during discussion. The leader plays an important role in maintaining discipline at such moment.

3)Motivates the Group Members: The leader motivates the group members to participate in discussion. He guides and encourages the members. He is a driving force behind the ideas and solutions generated during group discussion.

4)Develops Rapport: The leader develops a good rapport with the group members. He uses initiative and tact to get the group discussion moving forward. Due to good rapport, the problem of ego clashes gets minimised to a great extent, and the discussion takes place fruitfully.

5)Time Management: The leader allocates time for discussion. He checks out irrelevant discussion. Time management is an important aspect of leadership. If the leader is unable to do time management, the discussion will not lead to fruitful results.

6)Coordination: The group leader coordinates the discussion. He allows every member to take part in the discussion. He tries to sort out irrelevant arguments among the members during the discussion. He manages the disputed view points between two or more members of the group to the satisfaction of all. Through effective coordination, he develops team spirit among the members of the group.