HUL Group Discussion Experience

After being shortlisted for interview, we were divided into groups of 10 each. There were around 6 groups. This was the elimination round. Profile offered was Technical executive. We were all mechanical engineers.


Case Discussion
A company is setting up new factory. You have to chose the best factory manager, who you would you like to appoint as head of factory. Below are the profiles:
Candidate A An IIM graduate, worked in the same company for 5 years. Meritorious background, had a flying start. Has many achievements. Comes up with new ideas and perspective. Dynamic person. Had stints in different departments.
Candidate B A manager with 20+ years experience in your company. Known for his problem solving ability and skills. Known for taking up many projects and successful implementation.
Candidate C A lateral entry, great career, 16 years of experience in different companies. Has could successfully ramp up similar plant and operated successfully in previous company. Well known in industry.

I supported Candidate A on the grounds that:
-He will bring in new perspective
-Has all the managerial abilities
-Can deal well with cross functional teams
-Has all the skills required
-Young and dynamic
-Unlike C, he has not tendency to switch

Counter arguments by panel:
-Youngsters have more tendency to switch
-What about candidate B & C

My argument
-Tendency to switch doesn't mean that we will refrain from young and dynamic people.
-We are not being unjust to B & C. They can be given some other opportunity

Result
Selected

Take away lessons!
Some groups who created havoc out of group discussion were completely eliminated. So talk to  your group members before the advent of GD.Group discussion is a healthy discussion and not a debate. You can agree, you can disagree. But neither show arrogance, nor get hyper. You can keep a paper and pen if you have tendency to forget points that others have made. It is good if you can start the discussion (you will be noticed). But if you are in race of starting first, sounding desperate, it will have negative impact. So keep calm, say your point. Sometime you need to create the opportunity to speak up. But do not jump unnecessarily. Be assertive and not arrogant. And it is good if you can take the discussion to a healthy conclusion, including the points of your peers.
A good way to start can be "I agree to what xyz has said but.../I would like to add....."
"I have difference in opinion with respect to what my peers have just said. I think........"