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Common Misperceptions What you give is what you get? Not really. |
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Correcting Common Misperceptions About People Individuals naturally have selective perceptions about the way they see themselves and others. The Birkman Method® represents four PRODUCTIVE STYLES with four colors. We each tend to approach tasks with our own bias - the window through which we see the world. When we perform our assigned jobs, naturally we see things our way and tend to find other groups' ideas different and strange – even wrong or threatening. Because we view the world through our own filters, often we base our beliefs and subsequent actions on misperceptions. These understandable but inaccurate expectations can lead us to behave in ways that cause problems for ourselves and for other people. _ Consider some of the frequently-held misperceptions: · We're normal – it's other people who have the problem! There is no such thing as a normal person. While we may share similar strengths and interests with certain people, each of us is undeniably unique. Fifty years of Birkman® data collection confirms what you suspected all along – there is no average human being. The easy but dangerous assumption is to believe that our way of seeing the world is also the standard for everyone else. · Most people feel the way I do! There are many interpretations of the classic Golden Rule. In the Birkman organization, we contend that the best way to treat others is not necessarily the way they treat you, but when equipped with Birkman® insights, understand how they prefer to be treated. For example, you should not avoid confrontation simply because you are uncomfortable with conflict. Some people thrive on open disagreement. The ability to differentiate what you need from what the other person needs can transform your interactions with others. · There is an ideal behavioral style! Absolutely not. No single standard exists for “normal” feelings or behavior, so it makes sense that a wide range of possibilities could be acceptable. How often do we tend to “write off” certain people based on a single perception of their behavior? Some may see their behavior as a flaw, but others will view it as a strength. · The best way to do it – is our way! There are many ways to get there from here. Each approach to getting things done has its advantages and disadvantages. The best course will be determined by the people involved and by many other factors that shift circumstantially. The Birkman® ideal is to find the best way and use it – even if that approach is to temporarily adopt someone else's style. Successful teamwork is based on the assumption that people with different perspectives will take different approaches to building a final solution to a common problem. · The way they act is the way they need to be treated by others! The way people behave is not always the way they need to be treated. Your Birkman Report reveals important qualities (assets and needs) that are not easily observed. For example, a person may be direct and straightforward when dealing with you, but it may surprise you how hurt that person becomes when treated the same way. Or another person may seem friendly and outgoing at office meetings, but may also require substantial time alone to renew energies and stay productive. We need the insights of The Birkman Method® because we cannot judge what people require and how they need to be treated simply by observing their external behavior. |
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Angel Cruz Certified Birkman Consultant (787) 306-7781
PMB 242 Winston Churchill 138 San Juan, PR 00026 |
