Small Biz Insider: 5 Takeaways from Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman

Published Jun 19, 2019 by Maggie Martin

The Small Biz Insider podcast is part of a digital series from the Greater Houston Partnership, where we highlight the innovative business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders of the greater Houston area making a big impact in the small business community.

On this episode of Small Biz Insider, host Maggie Martin sits down with Sharon Birkman, Chairman and CEO of Birkman. It's home of the Birkman Method as well as an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company headquartered in Houston.

Here are 5 takeaways from our conversation with Sharon Birkman:

The Birkman Method was created by Sharon's father, Dr. Roger Birkman, in the 1950s. Dr. Birkman created the assessment after serving as a bomber pilot in WWII. Birkman said what her father noticed is that when pilots would return from their missions, they all had different perspectives on what had happened. Dr. Roger Birkman examined how these individual differences in visual and interpersonal perceptions had a visible impact on pilot performance and learning. He created the "Test of Social Comprehension," now known as The Birkman Method, after completing his Master's Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Houston.
Leadership is always going to be a challenge, but it's a really important topic. One of the reasons leadership is so important, said Birkman, was as a leader, you not only influence the immediate vicinity around you, but also the work culture and the people you lead.
There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to good leadership. The size of the company, the industry and the work culture are all important factors to consider.
Shortly after WWII, there was an expectation that all leaders have to be confident, strong and charismatic. Birkman said the reality is that this approach only carries you so far. Some leaders can get away with that, especially if they're in life-threatening jobs such as the military or police. These leaders have to be decisive and giving clear orders. But there are many other leaders who are completely different from that, and we need to accept a wide variety of leadership styles.
"Effective leadership" is being accurately and fully aware of the talents and interpersonal needs of the people you're leading. This is especially relevant for leaders and their key executive team members. Then it's up to those managers to do the same thing with the people they're leading.