I read somewhere an article which highlighted the qualities of a successful business man; it featured how top entrepreneurs like Dhirubhai Ambani, Narayan Murthy, Steve Jobs, etc.....craved their niche in the world of business with their determination, leadership qualities, creativity and knowledge. MBA course is structured in such a way that it inculcates some of the above qualities in a management student which gives them a cutting edge in a highly competitive corporate world.
Exams like CAT, MAT or XAT are conducted to test the caliber of the management candidate to get admission in some of the best MBA colleges like IIMs, XLRI and many such B-schools. These exams are taken in two phases or parts which include written examination and GDPI, which makes it easy to judge the potentials of a candidate. As these world class institutes with its well-structured MBA course focuses on preparing an army of exceptionally brilliant business leaders, group discussions gives the examiners better perspective of the personalities of the aspirants. Thus, as soon as the results of the written test are declared, the candidates should start preparing for the group discussion rounds.
There are certain things that as an aspirant you should keep in mind that this exercise is to sneak into your real persona, so it is better to remain as “natural” as possible. Any discrepancy in your behavior and attitude will be marked and will leave a negative impression on the assessors. To be a part of a reputed MBA college, it is recommended that they try to gather as much knowledge as they can about various subjects; from politics to sports. So, when you are posed with a question, nervousness does not grip you. MBA course focuses on grooming business cream of the crop kind of managers and entrepreneurs, thus they are taught to be assertive and confident when dealing with the outside world. So, many candidates while in the group discussion try to be extra assertive and not allowing other candidates an equal platform to present their views. There is no point in being “too assertive or pushy”, as it may hamper your chances to get enrollment in a leading B-schools. It points out a negative aspect of your personality. Entrepreneurs and executives as alumnus of leading MBA colleges are expected to take a lead even amid a situation that is similar to a roller coaster ride. The examiner in the group discussion tries to find leadership qualities of the candidates, so try to take an initiative to begin the course of discussion. However, it does not mean that you just don’t give chance to anyone in the group to speak. Give patience hearing to other’s views, this will boost your chances of success. Everyone cannot be a leader, there can be only leader. Thus, it is important that you also show some team spirit. Corporate world is about team work, as no single individual can achieve success in any venture. Therefore, try to be with the team and co-operate with the other members. Such attitude will give a ticket for MBA course in a reputed B-school. To be a part of something distinguished learning institutes, it is necessary that you prove your credentials to become a unit of it. Therefore, it is necessary that a candidate, who wants to get an admission in a leading MBA college, has to prove his qualifications by successfully clearing the competitive exams like MAT, CAT or XAT.
An important to remember while going for Group discussion is to maintain your composure and be confident.
