In what situations is the Birkman ® Method most useful?
The Birkman ® Method is a tool that can be utilized productively and meaningfully in a number of different contexts. In school/group settings, it can be used by leaders and managers to improve staff recruitment and selection as well as employee engagement, productivity and motivation. It can also be used in team settings to increase mutual understanding, effective communication and reciprocal forms of collaboration. Importantly, the tool is non-judgmental in orientation and always geared towards the success of the individual and the context in which he/she is operating. At the personal/individual level, the Birkman Method is most often used in coaching and mentoring relationships, especially when these can further enhance staff performance, productivity and job satisfaction.
How is the Birkman Method applied?
When an individual or a school decides to apply Birkman, a questionnaire is first sent to the person or to every individual member in the team/group. This questionnaire is usually completed in 30-45 minutes. It consists of simple “yes-no” type questions or choices between two options. Once the questionnaire is completed, a report is generated. This is sent to the individual. In group settings, information from the report is summarized and used to facilitate team building and productive partnerships. In mentoring/coaching relationships, only the individual’s direct line manager(s) is/are given access to the individual’s information.