Leaderless Group Discussion (LGD)

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WHAT IS THE LGD?
Industry and government continue moving toward a team approach, an approach that requires cooperative problem solving, effective communication skills, and the ability to influence others by presenting ideas in an open, approachable, and non-threatening manner. The Leaderless Group Discussion (LGD) evaluates group interaction skills which are known to be critical to success in supervisory/managerial positions by presenting candidate groups with problems that face virtually all managers. The LGD is a highly effective method for separating those who desire to rule from those who desire to lead, those who rely upon their position power from those who rely upon their personal power, and those who value their own ideas exclusively from those who are open to the ideas of others. Effective leadership is based on influencing others in a way that builds commitment, loyalty and group cohesiveness. Effective candidates:

>>>>• Demonstrate self-confidence that inspires others
>>>>• Are persuasive without being overbearing
>>>>• Openly encourage the ideas of others
>>>>• Are assertive at appropriate times
>>>>• Effectively mediate opposing points of view

POSITIONS USED FOR?
The LGD is appropriate for any supervisory/managerial position that requires effective, participative-style leadership. MPS has a large inventory of available problems for first-level supervisors up through top management, but develops new problems for unique positions free of charge. Our approach is to obtain input, then send problems for client review and selection.

LGD USED FOR:
>>>• Any supervisory or management position
>>>• Transit: All supervisory/management jobs
>>>• Fire: All supervisory/management jobs
>>>• Police: All supervisory/management jobs

TEST FORMAT
Four to six assessees are told they are a member of a management committee that has been convened to discuss and develop consensus recommendations on how to deal with one or more management problems. Typically, four problems are included, and the group is given 45 minutes to complete its task. The instructions prohibit the group from selecting anyone to serve as chairperson. Assessees who possess effective group interaction, problem solving, decision making, and leadership skills are usually quite apparent. The most effective assessees are those who are able to lead and guide others in a way that increases group cohesiveness and morale while maintaining the need for high quality, meaningful solutions.

SCORING & REPORTING OF RESULTS
MPS does all of the scoring for you. Results are reported in the form of a rank-ordered list of the candidates. In addition, MPS uses a behavioral checklist approach to provide performance feedback for candidates on each of the factors measured. Behavioral checklists include both positive and negative behavioral descriptors, and are designed to assist assessees in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and developmental needs. Results are supplied via email in pdf format.

VIDEOTAPING THE EXERCISE
All necessary instructions and diagrams to properly set up and videotape the exercise are supplied. All that is needed is a standard video camera and 1/2" VHS videotaping system and/or digital system to produce a DVD. No camera work is required.

SOME LGD ISSUES
>>>• Group Conflict: Dealing with different points of view
>>>• Group Organization: How to proceed in light of time limits
>>>• Problem Analysis: Dealing with poor analyses by others
>>>• Decision Making: Proceeding logically and guiding others to do so
>>>• Participation: Sensitivity to contributions of others
>>>• Keeping on Track: How to keep the discussion productive