The Human Element® is a process that aims to strengthen the effectiveness of teams and organisations through a better understanding of oneself and of relational dynamics. It is based on the idea that collective performance is directly influenced by the quality of human relationships and the level of trust between individuals.
The approach invites everyone to become aware of their behaviours, emotions and choices. It helps understand how these influence relationships and effectiveness at work, making collaboration smoother.
The Human Element® approach was developed by Will Schutz, an American psychologist and researcher known for his pioneering work on group dynamics and interpersonal psychology. While doing research for the US Navy, Schutz developed the FIRO® model (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation), a theoretical framework for understanding human behaviour in terms of inclusion, control and openness.
Over time, Schutz enriched and deepened this model to create The Human Element® approach, which takes into account not only observable behaviours and feelings towards others in a relationship, but also behaviours and feelings towards oneself. The approach is based on the idea that individual or collective blockages often come from not acknowledging one's own feelings. By helping everyone know themselves better and build more authentic relationships, The Human Element® aims to strengthen team effectiveness while fostering personal well-being.
The Human Element® approach
The level of development of an organisation or a team is the level of development of its leader. The level of development of the leader is that of their fears.
In Will Schutz's ideal organisation, the goal is to create a climate in which everyone has the highest self-esteem, feeling significant, competent and likeable. This climate fosters productivity and collective success. The table below shows the characteristics of the bonds between individuals and of the organisational climate. This ideal perfectly reflects the principles of today's empowering organisations.
| Individuals feel and are | When relationships are | Leaders support these goals with a climate of |
|---|---|---|
| Full of energy | Lively | Participation |
| Autonomous | Mature | Empowerment |
| Self-aware | Honest | Openness |
| Significant | Respectful | Recognition |
| Competent | Cooperative | Reward |
| Likeable | Friendly | Humanity |
Being resolutely focused on the collective, The Human Element also makes it possible to take the pulse of an organisation through the social and organisational climate survey known as "Element O".
Developing leadership, trust, cooperation and collective performance - The Human Element® Level I
The full training in The Human Element® approach takes 7 days (4 + 3 days), as an inter- or intra-company training, and covers the fundamentals of the approach as well as the basics of Human Element® Leadership. This immersive course helps participants develop a deep understanding of themselves, strengthen their relational skills and promote authentic, non-defensive leadership.
This training, also called "Level 1", is an essential prerequisite for Level 2 (LHEP International Certification, Licensed Human Element Practitioner), opening the way to internationally recognised expertise.
Module 1 (4 days)
- Foster a climate of trust that lets teams take responsibility and develop their motivation, buy-in and performance
- Understand your behaviours and their impact on relationships
- Grasp what self-esteem is made of and develop self-confidence
- Develop authentic relationships and learn to speak openly to resolve conflicts
- Develop your relational flexibility
- Make informed choices and decisions
- Develop a positive, empowering outlook and move beyond judgement
- Understand the feelings at work within us
- Identify your defence mechanisms
- Understand the impact of your behavioural preferences on how the group works
- Identify the links between behaviours, feelings, self-esteem and individual and collective performance
Module 2 (3 days)
- Understand the characteristics of a high-performing team and the stages of team development
- Grasp compatibility within a team (atmosphere and role compatibility) and illustrate why teams struggle to work together
- Analyse a team's centrality and identify the conditions for performance
- Make lasting collective decisions that are not called into question, through the practice of Concordance
- Understand the characteristics and role of the leader within the team
The essentials of The Human Element® in 2 days
This immersive 2-day in-house training teaches the fundamental principles of The Human Element® approach. It focuses on exploring team behaviour and developing self-leadership, essential to better support and inspire others.
By integrating this approach, participants strengthen their ability to navigate team dynamics effectively and to behave in line with their organisation's challenges.
In-house training (2 days)
- Understand your behaviours and their impact on relationships
- Make informed choices and decisions
- Develop a positive, empowering outlook and move beyond judgement
- Develop authentic relationships and learn to speak openly to resolve conflicts
- Develop your relational flexibility
- As a leader, foster a climate of trust that lets teams take responsibility and develop their motivation, buy-in and performance
- Identify your defence mechanisms
- Understand the impact of your behavioural preferences on how the group works
Our clients are satisfied!
Satisfaction with our inter-company trainings in 2024-2025
4.8/5
Clear objectives
5/5
Trainer's expertise
4.9/5
Overall satisfaction