What is the Birkman Method?
The Birkman Method® is not just another “personality test.” Most tests describe you in terms of how you behave, but much behavior is socialized, how we think we should be. The Birkman Method® is an assessment that goes deeper, and accurately describes the inner self that others may not see by looking at your behavior. And it can be stressful for people to treat you the way you behave if you needs are different than you appear. The Birkman Method® combines motivational, behavioral and interest evaluation into one single assessment, which provides a multi-dimensional and comprehensive analysis, thus reducing the need for multiple assessments. The questionnaire is delivered on-line and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Delving Deeper
Through a combination of regression and factor analysis, The Birkman Method® identifies the respondent’s everyday interpersonal style (usual behavior), and unlike most other popular assessments, gives unique insights into underlying motivations and needs. Stress behaviors are identified when these needs are not met. Knowing the underlying motivations and the consequences of unmet needs give the coach, consultant, counselor and organizational development professional an effective way to improve workplace performance and reduce conflict.
In brief, The Birkman Method® includes the five following major perspectives:
1. Usual Behavior – an individual’s effective behavioral style of dealing with relationships and tasks.
2. Underlying Needs – an individual’s expectations of how relationships and social situations should be governed in context of the relationship or situation.
3. Stress Behaviors – an individual’s ineffective style of dealing with relationships or tasks; behavior observed when underlying needs are not met.
4. Interests – an individual’s expressed preference for job titles based on the assumption of equal economic rewards.
5. Organizational Focus – the perspective in which an individual views problems and solutions relating to organizational goals.
A Wide Range of Applications
As the premier non-clinical instrument for measuring human behavior and occupational strengths, the Birkman provides a wide range of applications including:
- Self Discovery
- Career Guidance
- Family “Team” Building
- Stress Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Coaching
- Pre-Marital Preparation
