04/03/2020
Differences and similarities on the Birkman Map. Who is in your bubble?
I am sure there are families farther-flung than us, but we have son and daughter in law in Baltimore (lockdown and she is a Doctor at Johns Hopkins on the front line), son and daughter in law and two adult grandsons in California (lockdown. Even so, we all (but one) managed to get on a zoom video conference on Sunday, and I can see we will be doing lots more. Conveniently, we only cover three time zones. So what are you finding hard about lockdown? Your Birkman can help! Just look at the Map in your Birkman Profile. To keep this simple, we just want to look at the Circle (your Needs). Why we focus here is that (amongst other things) Needs helps us understand what you will find 'normal', at least unconsciously.
Look where your Circle is, horizontally (left or right). The further to the left you are, the more you expect to have plenty to do and an objective environment in which to do it. The further to the right you are, the more you expect to have plenty of people to interact with, and an environment in which it is okay for everyone to say how they feel.
At this point, if you have them, you might want to check the Map of the people in your bubble. If you don’t, contact us and we can arrange it at minimal cost.
You have looked at the horizontal component of Needs on the Map/Grid. What about the vertical?
Top of the Map is about thinking enthusiasm and direct engagement is normal; bottom of the Map is about thinking that, well, thinking is normal, and therefore a more reflective and distanced approach to problems and situations.
So how is that going to play in the lockdown bubble you are in? It depends - have a look at your own and everyone else's Needs (the Circle). Top or Bottom of the Map?
A lack of enthusiasm and interaction will be really hard for top of the Map folks. Even if you are low on the Map, it is time to cheer these folks on. Of course, your Need may then be to have time to think about things before you commit (to repainting the kitchen, for example, or setting up a zoom call with all 230 relatives). But if you can say "that's brilliant, let's do it, just give me a little time to think about how we can do that best" instead of just saying "no" as a defensive move, you will really help.
And top of the Map person, cut some thinking time for your low on the Map bubble-mates. Tell them your great thought, ask them to think about it and improve on it, and "maybe we could talk tomorrow?"
So check what everyone else in your bubble (if any) are expecting. Being locked down has challenges for everyone.
If you think "having plenty to do and being objective" is normal (Red or Yellow Needs), then stop watching the news; it is a feelings fest and you don't need that. Find a project or two that you can do with the resources to hand, or easily obtainable.
If on the other hand, you think having plenty of people to interact with, or at least to share your feelings with, is normal (Green and Blue Needs), then leverage what you can outside of your bubble. (I say that so that if you have Red or Yellow Needs people in your bubble, you don't drive them mad by focusing all your People Needs on them!) Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp video calls, so you see people, not just write them notes. Have conversations out the window with people who pass or shout out to the people on other balconies near you. Yes, sing or play your saxophone to the neighbors.
And now - have a conversation with everyone in your bubble about your Needs scores. Talk about what you are each finding annoying even if you can't yet work out why. You can help each other understand what is going on, and cut one another some slack
