I just sat down at my computer and answered 298 questions about myself as part of a career development assessment. The questions were straightforward, and the process only took about 45 minutes. Now I am waiting for the results, intrigued and a bit intimidated by what I might find out about myself.
The Birkman Method® is a personality assessment used for team building, executive coaching, leadership development, career counseling and interpersonal conflict resolution. Motivational, behavioral and interest evaluation are combined into one single assessment, providing a multi-dimensional and comprehensive analysis.
The Birkman Method® identifies the respondent’s everyday interpersonal style (usual behavior) and gives unique insights into underlying motivations and needs. Stress behaviors are identified when these needs are not met. The process identifies the underlying motivations and the consequences of unmet needs, providing an effective way to improve workplace performance and reduce internal and interpersonal conflict.
A variety of reports are designed to be used by professionals who have received training in The Birkman Method®. My test was to be part of a consultation with William S. Frank, MA, President and CEO of CareerLab®, a career strategy and leadership development firm based in Denver, Colorado. I saw him speak about the Birkman at last year’s SEAK, Inc. Non-Clinical Careers for Physicians course. Curious as to what the Birkman could offer physicians considering a career transition, such as many PRN members, I decided to make myself a guinea pig.
As an effective instrument for measuring human behavior and occupational strengths, the Birkman provides a wide range of applications including several of possible interest to PRN readers:
* Career Guidance
* Career Management
* Career Transition
* Executive Coaching
* Individual Development
* Retirement Planning
I will post more information about this test and my experience as the consultation process continues.
Click here to read part 2 of this series.
Click here to read part 3 of this series.
