As part of my leadership course at UC Berkeley I recently took a hybrid self-assessment, facilitated by CPP, which combines the power of Myers-Briggs’ MBTI with a less well known assessment called FIRO-B.
First introduced by William Schutz in 1958, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (FIRO), analyzes the dimensions of Inclusion, Control and Affection. It also probes on behaviors you tend to express as well as those that you wish others to demonstrate. Recently repositioned by CPP this tool is now rising in popularity.
The assessment and analysis uses the three FIRO dimensions to further color the factors used in the MBTI. The tool really helped me better understand my leadership style. It outlines areas of strengths as well as potential challenges I may face. Finally it provided a detailed action plan that I could utilize in developing my career plan.
Whether you are trying to better understand yourself or are looking for a tool to use in developing a career plan for someone you manage, this assessment is worth a look.
Take Assessment [Cost = $120 for 3 reports Leadership, MBTI, and FIRO-B]
The late Will Schutz, Ph.D., also created another instrument, Element B, based on revisions to his original FIRO theory.
The Affection dimension was renamed Openness, a behavior rather than an emotion. The items on the Openness scales were changed on Element B to provide a more accurate measure of this behavior. The original theory called the three FIRO dimensions “interpersonal needs.” Dr. Schutz changed the word “needs” to “wants” to more accurately describe the dimensions.
While FIRO-B provides feedback on 6 aspects of interpersonal behavior, Element B provides the same information plus 12 additional measures. Element B identifies not just what a person does or gets, but what he/she wants in each of the three areas of Inclusion, Control and Openness.