Element B

Element B: Behavior is a psychometric assessment based on FIRO theory, created by Will Schutz, Ph.D. It measures preferences for interpersonal behavior in the areas of Inclusion, Control, and Openness and provides a measure of the difference between perceived and wanted behaviors.

The primary purpose of Element B is to provide information for expanding self-awareness. People use Element B to:

• become more effective leaders and managers
• assist in executive coaching
• facilitate the development of high performing teams
• build collaborative skills and resolve conflict
• improve customer service
• improve personal and interpersonal effectiveness

Integral to The Human Element approach

Will Schutz created Element B as part of his comprehensive methodology for addressing the human issues in organizations, called The Human Element. In addition to Element B, The Human Element uses several other FIRO-based instruments called The Elements of Awareness, and a variety of experiential methods to form a transformational learning experience that leads to profound improvements in individual, team, and organizational performance.

The Elements of Awareness – Based on FIRO theory

The Elements of Awareness form an integrated series of instruments designed to measure various aspects of human functioning and human relationships. They form the backbone of The Human Element approach for organizational transformation.

FIRO-based Elements of Awareness include:

Individual – used to understand personal motivation and behavior

• Element B: Behavior (originally FIRO-B)
• Element F: Feelings (originally FIRO-F)
• Element J: Job Fit
• Element S: Self-Concept
• Element E: Self-Esteem

Relational – used to resolve problems and improve working relationships

• Element W: Work Relations
• Element T: Openness (Truth)

Organizational – used to identify and resolve organizational issues

• Element O: Organizational Climate

A Unique Instrument-based Training Approach

The primary purpose of Element B is to provide information for expanding self-awareness. Increased self-awareness improves your understanding of why you behave in the way that you do and allows you to be more effective as a leader, manager or team member. Rather than telling you the answers or what they think you should do, Element B practitioners create an environment where you assess your own scores and make your own interpretation — helping you to create your own knowledge of what the scores mean for you right now. Element B does not measure fixed traits or attempt to classify you into a particular category or style — it is not an evaluation. There are no “good” or “bad” scores. 

Element B-based training helps people:

• focus on understanding human behavior and interaction to solve problems rather than assign blame.
• understand how people function and help them to recognize the relations between each pattern of behavior and its consequences in the work environment.
• become totally aware of their own behavior patterns and consequences. The enemy is self-deception. Once you decrease your self-deception and are self-aware, whatever you do is your conscious choice.