The Birkman Method is an assessment tool that measures motivation, behavior, interests and reactions under stress through a non-judgmental profile. It identifies effective and productive behaviors as well as needs, motivations and unproductive behaviors. The assessment was developed in 1952 and is used by over 75% of Fortune 500 companies. It provides insights into organizational focus, usual behavior, stress behavior, motivational needs, interests and 11 behavioral components to help improve performance, leadership and goal setting.

3. The Birkman Method serves as:An assessment tool that measures motivation and outward behaviorNon-judgmental profile of interests, behaviors, motivational needs, and reactions under stressPredictive summary of how individuals and work-units approach communication, conflict, and decision-makingYour targeted objective is to identify your “effective or productive” behaviors, your needs or motivations, and your unproductive behaviorsLeadership effectiveness is rooted in FLEXIBILITY – your path lies in “RANGE” NOT “CHANGE”.

4. Architect of the Birkman MethodDeveloped in 1952 by Dr. Roger BirkmanWWII fighter pilot who observed that individuals experiencing similar situations have different perceptions Continued his research after the War as an Industrial PsychologistPioneered use of computer methods to identify differences within self and between others

5. BackgroundBirkman taken by over 2 million peopleUsed by more than 75% of Fortune 500Comparative business/industrial database of leaders from various countries around the worldValidated by the US National Science FoundationValid across corporate functions and culturesMeasures self + social perceptions + motivationsCreates common language about leadership and communication styles

6. 2 Basic Premises1. There is no such thing as normal behavior2. There is no logical connection between the way we act and the way we need or want to be treatedPlatinum Rule: “do unto others as …”

7. If MetIf NotMetSTRESSHow Birkman uses these premises:Behavioral RelationshipsUSUALObservable

8. Learned

9. Effective and productiveNEEDSUnderlying or hidden expectations and motivations

10. Difficult to change – core strengths

11. Counter productive, frustrated, reactive behavior

12. Least effective, least economic behaviorINTERESTSThe way you like to getwork doneMotivates you to have yourneeds met

13. Why does it work?The intensity is measured numerically using two 1-99 scales1 for usual behavior1 for needs and stress1406099IntenseIntense1-39 Low40-60 Mid61-99 High

14. The Birkman dimensions to Performance: ORGANIZATIONAL FOCUS USUAL BEHAVIOR STRESS BEHAVIOR MOTIVATIONAL NEEDS INTERESTS

15. Organizational Focus(Foundation ColorsSM) A persons … - natural approach to work - natural approach to problem solving - means of engaging and influencing others - dominant perceptual filter or viewpointThe Foundation Colors are designed to be Design/Strategy

16. Sales/Marketing

17. Operations/Technology

18. Administration/FiscalLeadership Style GridDirectIMPLEMENTERAction-oriented

19. Energetic

20. Logical

21. Friendly COMMUNICATOR Competitive

22. Assertive

23. Flexible

24. EnthusiasticTaskPeople ADMINISTRATOR Orderly

25. Concentrative

26. Cautious

27. InsistentPLANNER Future-oriented

28. Creative

29. Reflective

30. InsightfulIndirect

31. Usual BehaviorA person’s External PRODUCTIVE BehaviorIn Birkman terms we call these Usual Behaviorsand are defined as the productive, socialized behavior that is observable by others. It is seen by others as socially positive, flexible, adaptable, civilized, appropriate, comfortable, natural, and easily modified by experience or training.