About this framework
This framework uses the language of music to help independent school boards and nonprofit governance bodies understand their current structure, identify their gaps, and recruit the right musicians for the next chapter of their institution's story.
Developed by Kevin DeAllen — Senior Birkman Consultant since 1994 and Board Chair at St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo, California — the framework draws on three decades of behavioral science applied to family dynamics, generational wealth theory, and independent school governance.
Most boards recruit for what trustees have done — their professional title, their industry background, their giving capacity. The Conductor in the Boardroom framework recruits for who trustees actually are: their behavioral needs, their natural governance strengths, and the section of the ensemble they are genuinely suited to play.
A former CEO should not be automatically placed on Finance. A quiet educator may be your most essential strategic voice. The Birkman Method makes this visible — but the framework works even without Birkman data.
For this assessment, The Birkman Method measures nine behavioral components. In a governance context, the Needs scores — what a trustee requires from their environment to perform at their best — are the most diagnostic. A trustee with a high Insistence Need will naturally create structure. A trustee with high Incentives Need needs to see the organization succeed and to receive credit for it.
Assertiveness
Who needs to know who is in charge – and who leads naturally. Essential for Brass/Executive roles.
Insistence
Who creates structure. Essential for Finance, Governance, and Audit committees.
Thought
Who needs time to make important decisions. Prevents premature consensus.
Emotional Energy
Who carries the community voice. Your natural Woodwind profile.
Incentives
Who needs recognition for organizational successes. Your natural Development chair.
Restlessness
Who thrives on change and variety. Drives Development energy and Community Life.
Social Energy
Introvert vs. extravert. Determines committee fit and meeting cadence preferences.
Self-Consciousness
Who needs frank feedback vs. who needs respect from key individuals.
Physical Energy
Who needs personal control over scheduling vs. who thrives in a busy environment.
Kevin DeAllen is a Senior Birkman Consultant with over 30 years of practice. He is a Coach to Superheroes, Advisor to Ultra-Privileged & Influential Families, a Keynote Storyteller, and author of Blind Spots of Wealth: How Cognitive Biases Destroy Family Fortunes.
He currently serves as Board Chair at St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo, California, where he applies the Conductor in the Boardroom framework in practice.
For speaking engagements, board consulting, or Birkman assessments for your board of trustees, contact Kevin through TheBirkmanExchange.com.