Either you love group projects, or you don’t. But inevitably, you will find yourself involved in a group project in your coursework, your job, or another role in your life. Therefore, effective teamwork should be important to you. 

Asana shared eleven benefits of teamwork in the workplace. Most notably, teamwork cultivates effective communication, improves decision-making and problem-solving skills, improves culture, helps build trust, and develops individual strengths.

Alpha Kappa Psi saw the importance of teamwork in its chapters and members as an opportunity to offer all student members access to an assessment that would help them work better together to achieve operational and professional goals. In 2019, AKPsi introduced the Birkman Method Assessment to chapter presidents and chapter advisors at the former joint event, Presidents Academy and Fraternity Advisor Conference (PAFAC). 

The Birkman Method is a scientifically developed assessment that provides insights into your personality, motivations, and behaviors. This comprehensive understanding of your and your team members’ strengths, interests, and communication styles can transform how you collaborate and support one another.

Why should you take the Birkman Method Assessment?

Understand Team Dynamics

Every team is a unique blend of personalities, and understanding these dynamics is critical to effective teamwork. The Birkman Method helps you learn your team members’ motivations and stress behaviors. This insight lets you anticipate and manage potential conflicts, ensuring a more cooperative and productive environment.

Improve communication

Effective communication is crucial for any team’s success. The Birkman Method identifies how you and your teammates prefer to communicate, highlighting differences and similarities. By understanding these preferences, you can adapt your communication style to better connect with others, leading to more straightforward and valuable interactions.

Leverage Individual Strengths

Every team member brings unique strengths to the table. The Birkman Method helps identify these strengths, allowing you to assign roles and responsibilities aligning with each member’s abilities. This alignment boosts individual satisfaction and enhances overall team performance by ensuring everyone is working in their areas of strength.

Foster Inclusivity and Collaboration

A team thrives when every member feels valued and understood. The Birkman Method promotes inclusivity by helping team members appreciate the diverse perspectives and contributions of others. This understanding fosters a collaborative spirit, where members feel empowered to share ideas and work together towards common goals.

Develop Leadership Skills

Effectual leaders understand and address the needs of their team. The Birkman Method gives aspiring leaders insights into their leadership style and how it impacts their team. This self-awareness enables leaders to adapt their approach, motivate their team, and create a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and growth.

How to take the Birkman Method Assessment

Taking the Birkman Method Assessment is simple, and its benefits for teamwork are substantial. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Log into MyAKPsi: The Birkman Method Assessment is accessible through the MyLearning tab of MyAKPsi. It is included in your student member dues, so no additional payment is required to complete it. Alumni who wish to complete the assessment may contact education@akpsi.org to request access to the assessment for a small fee.
2. Complete the Assessment: The assessment is user-friendly, and you can complete it online at your convenience.
3. Review Your Results: Once you complete the survey, you’ll receive a detailed report. Please review it to understand your strengths and how you interact with others.
4. Share and Apply Your Insights: Discuss your results with your peers and encourage others to complete the assessment. Use these insights to improve your chapter’s team dynamics, culture, and communication. Once everyone in your chapter completes the assessment, you can request a Birkman Assessment Facilitator to lead your chapter through several discussions to assist members with understanding their results and the various reports available to members 

The Birkman Method Assessment is more than just a personality test—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing teamwork. It provides deep insights into individual and team dynamics, helping Alpha Kappa Psi members communicate better, leverage each other’s strengths, and work together more effectively. Take the Birkman Method Assessment today and start building your team.