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FIRO-B®

Understanding Your Relationship Needs

"FIRO-B" and "FIRO" are trademarks of CPP (see www.cpp.com/en/index.aspx). We have no association or connection with CPP.

Working well with your co-workers...

Compatibility is an important part of people's relationships. Think about some of your best relationships: Do you get what you need, emotionally and practically, from the other people? And do they, in return, get what they need from you? Chances are the answer to both questions is yes.

Needs are significant factors in how well we get along with others. If you like to be in charge, and the other person prefers to be given instructions – then, if there aren't any other huge personality differences, you'll probably get along and be productive together.

It's the give-and-take in relationships that often determines how well people work together. Have you ever had a large disconnect – when you and the other person didn't want and need complementary things? This can cause conflict and anxiety. Understanding your own interpersonal needs, and how they interact with the needs of others, is a good way to improve the relationships you have with people at work.

Interpersonal Needs

In the 1950s, a psychologist named William Schutz presented his FIRO® (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation) theory. It focused on three levels of self-awareness: behavior, feelings, and self-concept. The behavioral part was developed into a measuring tool, used to describe our behavior as it relates to three interpersonal needs: inclusion, control, and openness.

This tool is called the FIRO-B®, and it's used to identify how people prefer to engage with others. As a personality tool, it helps you increase your understanding of your interpersonal needs and the needs of others. By comparing your scores to the scores of people on your team, you can better understand...