Recent research by Gallup reveals a troubling trend: global employee engagement has dropped to 21% in 2024 as compared to 23% the byear prior. This alarming trend indicates that a large proportion of workers are not reaching their full productivity, or potential, in their current roles. Widespread disengagement goes beyond numbers and percentages – it represents a significant loss of talent and productivity.
We do, however, know that most people want to do genuine and meaningful work. So what’s getting in the way? Why does such a large proportion still feel disconnected from their careers?
As individuals, we are more likely to perform at our best when our work aligns with our interests and natural behaviors, but sometimes it takes introspection, and analysis,. to understand our needs, strengths, and interests. No matter the case, a career assessment will always prove helpful based on whatever goals an individual may have.
But the question is, which one should you use? At Crosworks, we use The Birkman Method because it’s thorough, accurate, and works well for individuals and teams of any size. Birkman is known to dig deep into multiple aspects of your career at once, giving you valuable insights to bring positive changes in your personal and professional life. To explain why we love Birkman, let’s compare it to other assessments that are available on the market.
Birkman vs. DiSC Assessment
The DiSC Assessment is a tool used by many career and leadership coaches to address one’s behavioral differences, strengths, and communication styles. However, the downside is that there are many versions of DiSC in the market, and some are considerably outdated, creating inconsistency in its application and the results that it generates. Also, DiSC tends to only look at how an individual behaves while completely overlooking the environmental factors that can significantly impact workplace satisfaction and performance.
Birkman specifically provides eleven scales that delve into interpersonal behavior and environmental expectations. This gives your team greater awareness of the work preferences and communication styles needed to be satisfied while performing at a high level.
Birkman vs. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality assessment tool that is based on the theories of psychologist Carl Jung. This assessment classifies people into one of sixteen categories based on four scales. Through these categories, the assessment aims to determine how people perceive information, make decisions, and relate to their environment. This assessment is easy to implement due to its simplicity and fixed personality indicators. For a quick test to determine which of the sixteen categories you fall under, the MBTI assessment is ideal.
But sadly, it falls short compared to Birkman’s detailed analysis. The Birkman method taps into your hidden traits, identifies your strengths, and provides an actionable plan to attain the best career results.
Birkman vs. The Enneagram
The Enneagram is a personality system that offers insights into an individual’s motivations, strengths, and growth opportunities. It categorizes people into nine personality types, each with a distinct perspective and way of interacting with the environment. It is particularly useful in understanding team relationships and provides helpful strategies for resolving conflicts and improving collaboration.
However, this personality system does not offer specific job recommendations, and neither does it help match strengths against career paths. The approach here is similar to MBTI, where people are placed under fixed categories instead of being recognized for their unique qualities .
Birkman, on the other hand, respects individual complexities. Certified Birkman coaches utilize their skills to leverage these insights and identify unique traits and behaviors that enhance one’s competitive positioning in the job search process and for overall career advancement.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that no matter what assessment you choose, you must begin with self-reflection, remain honest, and understand your true purpose. Remember, the results of your assessment will always be helpful if your responses are shared with truthfulness and honesty.
At Crosworks, we are confident that the Birkman Method has a unique ability to bridge the gap between self-awareness and strategic career action by providing valuable insights that align one’s natural strengths with professional opportunities.
Ready to unlock your professional potential? Schedule a free introductory call with a Birkman-certified coach to discover how this powerful assessment can accelerate your career goals.