Tony Palmer

Senior Consultant @Birkman

Atlanta, GA, US

I am fortunate to be trained to the highest level of competency in the Birkman. There are currently 300 senior consultants out of about Birkman consultants worldwide. Many of Birkman\'s most talented senior consultants are my colleagues and friends which provides an excellent pool of support and advice for the benefit of my clients. I came to know the Birkman assessment through my consulting work with the clients of Stanton Chase. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been in the line of fire when this opportunity occurred. With a strong background in assessments from my previous and extensive work with individuals affected by downsizings, restructurings and performance challenges, I was not ready for the incredible impact of the Birkman instrument and underestimated its power!The beauty of the Birkman assessment is the simplicity and elegance of the discovery model that produces the findings. In addition, the breadth of reliable and valid feedback is nothing short of stunning. As I often say, your favorite assessment is like a Buick and the Birkman is like a Maserati. I most enjoy the reaction of my Birkman clients when I share the feedback as a part of setting their customized \"going forward\" career strategy. We use the strengths information as an important part of value messaging. The needs profile is used to identify the components of company culture for \"best fit\". Stress behavior descriptors help the respondent recognize when needs are not consistently met and behaviors turn negative.All of this highly personalized feedback is used to define \"highest and best\" use for the participant going forward. Not only the best \"next step\" but also the best type of organization to become aligned with. That sets the destination. What remains is development of the steps of the plan to get to that destination in the most direct and efficient way. This is the essence of a robust career plan, the development of which is my passion.