Acceleration doesn’t always start with speed—it starts with insight.
Over the years, I’ve learned that when people understand themselves and others more clearly, they unlock the ability to move faster, collaborate better, and grow stronger. That’s exactly why The Birkman Method exists. It’s a powerful assessment designed to accelerate human potential by helping people grasp how they see people and the world and how those perceptions differ from others.
The Birkman Journey
Our journey began in 1951, when my father, a psychologist with a passion for human behavior, launched his entrepreneurial dream. He created The Birkman Method as a way to bring motivation, communication, and workplace performance into focus. What started as a bold idea has become a global company, Birkman International, supporting organizations in talent development, team dynamics, and leadership effectiveness across the world. In 2002, I stepped into the role of President and CEO, and it’s been my privilege to build on my father’s legacy ever since.
Lessons From Insights
One lesson that continues to shape my thinking is how much perception drives action.
We often hear the phrase, “the grass is greener on the other side,” and it turns out, there’s some science behind it! When you look straight down at your own yard, you see the dirt, the unevenness, the flaws. But when you glance across the fence, you’re seeing your neighbor’s lawn from a distance, at an angle that hides the imperfections. It really does look greener—not because it is, but because of how you’re seeing it. That same phenomenon happens every day in how we view ourselves and others.
I’ve had moments where I wished I weren’t so emotionally tuned in, thinking it made me too sensitive. But that sensitivity allows me to connect deeply, read between the lines, and lead with empathy.
Every personality trait is part of a larger equation. If you remove the parts you don’t love, you often lose the very strengths you rely on. Want to be more outgoing? You may sacrifice your gift for listening. Wish you were less emotional? You might also lose the passion that fuels your creativity or the compassion that brings your team together.
We are all walking packages of strengths —every one of them capable of accelerating or slowing us down, depending on how we understand and use them.
At Birkman, we don’t just talk about this—we live it. Our team, along with hundreds of Birkman-Certified Professionals around the globe, brings this message to life with organizations of all sizes. Whether helping companies retain talent, navigate change, or build future leaders, we see the economic ripple effect of what happens when people start working better together.
That’s also part of why I chose to become a WBENC-Certified Woman-Owned Business. As someone who has always supported women in leadership and been active in the Women Presidents Organization, it was a natural step to align with a network that shares those values. We’ve seen positive momentum from corporate partners, and I’ve loved the chance to meet other dynamic women leaders. While our re-engagement with WBENC is recent, I know from experience that when you invest in the right people, acceleration follows.
Words of Advice
If I could offer one piece of advice to any leader who’s looking to accelerate their business, it would be this: start with your people. Profits matter, but people are the engine. When you treat your team and your clients like VIPs, everything else moves faster—from innovation to retention to results.
At the end of the day, perception shapes progress. And when you shift how you see yourself—and those around you—you don’t just grow, you accelerate!
Learn More: Birkman.com
Author
Sharon Birkman, CEO and Owner of Birkman International
Sharon Birkman served as Birkman International’s President and CEO from 2002-2022 and has recently stepped back in as the CEO and Owner. Birkman International, based in Houston, Texas, is a renowned organization specializing in psychometric assessments and organizational consulting.
Learn More: Birkman.com
