At Crosworks, we often use the Birkman Method assessment tool to assist individuals and organizations to maximize internal talents for the purposes of career satisfaction and increased productivity. If you’ve been around our team at all, it’s probably come up a time or two. Recently, Crosworks’ Office Manager Beth Smith completed her work to become a Birkman Certified Professional (BCP). Beth joins the ranks of other staff members, including Shelly Stotzer, Celia Crossley, Deb Mitchell, Emily Smith, and Eden Sulzer, who also are certified.
Here, Beth shares the why behind her decision.
What motivated you to become certified in the Birkman Method?
Being at Crosworks for over two years, I have run many Birkman reports for clients. I wanted the chance to understand the reports my co-workers were using with our clients. Additionally, I love talking with people and understanding why we all are unique—and thought this would be a great way to do that.
What are you most excited about doing with your certification?
I’m excited for the chance to share these reports with people so they have more clarity on their usual behavior, needs, and stress behaviors, and provide a reference point they can come back to when exploring job opportunities and career advancement.
How do you believe Birkman helps individuals obtain their career goals?
I believe that taking the time to look at your interests, needs, usual behavior, and stress behaviors gives you the opportunity to understand what environment works best for you. Birkman provides a strengths page unique to the client; that is my favorite page to share and I remind people to come back and look at this as they explore their career paths. We want people to be appreciated for their unique strengths!
In your opinion, what is one of the most interesting aspects of the Birkman Method?
I really enjoy the needs piece of Birkman. As it relates to Birkman, our needs can go unseen, and, most times, we don’t even notice our needs until they are not being met. If we know what our needs are, we have a better opportunity to find a way to advocate for ourselves and put ourselves in environments where they are met – before we end up in stress.
What did you learn about yourself when going through the certification?
I learned how much I really enjoy talking to other people about their Birkman report—and watching them discover things about themselves. It reinforced my high interest in social service or helping others.
What is the most common misconception of the Birkman Method?
Many times, people believe there is a way they are supposed to respond or a result they are supposed to get. There are no right or wrong answers. There is no type of result you “should” get or some result you should strive for.
To get the most out of the assessment, what advice would you give to someone getting ready to take it?
Be honest and follow your gut. There are no right or wrong answers.
Congratulations, Beth, for becoming a Birkman Certified Professional! We are excited for you, our team, and especially our clients who will benefit from your expertise.
To learn more about what’s involved in utilizing the Birkman Method for your individual or organization’s needs, contact us and we’ll share the details!