This is one of the tips that we discussed at The Graduate Recruitment Fair in Olympia, London on Saturday. It relates to taking part in a Group Exercise and how to resist the temptation of doing what everyone else wants to do - if you think they are wrong.

For instance, experience has shown that the best way to ensure that your group completes its task is to create a plan. So, if you are given 15 minutes to complete the group exercise, suggest a plan for your time. So for example,

"that the group spends the first 5 minutes brainstorming; the next 5 minutes agreeing on the course of action and the last 5 minutes either designing or creating that which you have agreed"

Having a plan works and makes it clear to all what is required. You may find, however, that not everyone in the group agrees with you.
Some people may just want to get on with the task and find a plan too restrictive. It is this type of person who gets bogged down in the detail and more often than not - does not complete the task - which in this situation is not good.

If you find yourself in the position of suggesting a plan and no one else agrees, then resist the temptation of ditching the idea and make a note of the timings yourself. So work with the group and say after 5 minutes, 'Shall we move on from brainstorming as we need to agree a course of action. Then again after 10 minutes say, 'Shall we start on our design, as we only have 5 minutes left .... ?'

It is likely that other members of the group will pick up that the task needs to be completed on time and will support you. If not, at least the assessor will note that out of everyone you had a plan and a clear idea of how to get the job done. In addition, that you had the strength of character to resist the temptation to do the same as everyone else.