What does Birkman mean by Esteem?
The Need for Esteem in Relating to Individuals How a person may deal with (or prefer to deal with) approval-related topics, and how a person relates to other individuals. Issue vs. Person
ESTEEM is the relationship you have with others on a one-to-one basis. When communicating, will you focus on the issue the other person is addressing, or on the person to whom you are speaking?
Esteem measures a sensitivity-based construct that was formerly called Shyness. Esteem includes issues regarding self-consciousness, sensitivity about correcting others or being corrected by others and concerns about embarrassing others or being embarrassed.
• High scores reflect diplomatic, sensitive behavior, a preference for personal, supportive relationships and a tendency to appear overly sensitive when others are perceived to be too direct.
• Low scores reflect candid, direct behavior, a preference for candid and direct relationships and blunt behavior when stressed by the indirectness or perceived overly-sensitive behavior of others.
Components – Four Possible Patterns
In reviewing any of the Birkman Components, there are four possible patterns that might be generated. We have listed the combinations here for Esteem with the approximate percentage of the population that will show each pattern, as well as some narrative descriptions for how to understand these patterns.
|
Usual/Need/Stress
|
%
|
Description
|
| Low/High/High |
70%
|
Candid and direct in their usual style but have a need to feel the genuine respect and appreciation of others in return. Under stress may become sensitive and easily embarrassed. |
| Low/Low/Low |
10%
|
Direct and straightforward and prefers others to be frank and unevasive in return. Under stress may become blunt or inconsiderate. |
| High/High/High |
10%
|
Sensitive and tactful and have a need to feel respect and appreciation from others in return. Under stress, may become evasive and lose self-confidence. |
| High/Low/High |
10%
|
Are generally serious and diplomatic in their usual style but prefer frank and direct communication in return. Under stress may become overly sensitive and self-conscious. |
Issues impacted by the Esteem Component:
• Managing performance problems and performance reviews
• Awareness of feelings and special needs of others
• The use of candor as an interpersonal tool
• Dealing with sensitive or tough business issues