Group discussions are useful tools for selecting employees, teaching concepts, and clarifying issues. They help participants increase their interpersonal skills by understanding themselves and others better. Constructive criticism is important in group discussions, requiring listening skills like empathy and probing, as well as criticizing skills like focusing on behaviors instead of individuals and suggesting improvements. When receiving feedback, participants should listen without defending themselves, accept compliments, express feelings respectfully, ask for specifics, and consider the feedback from multiple sources.