Based on the revised theory of FIRO, The Human Element training is offered in two phases -- for trainers. Phase-I is a five-day workshop that introduces the participant to the theory as well as the use of the various instruments/elements that have been derived from the theory. The basic theme of the workshop is self-awareness, self-esteem and personal effectiveness.

"How I feel about and behave toward myself is the basic determinant of most of my behavior. If I improve my self-regard, I will find that dozens of behaviors change automatically. If, for example, I increase my feelings of self-competence, I will probably be less defensive, less angered by criticism, less devastated if I do not get a raise, less anxious when I come to work, better able to make decisions, and more able to appreciate and praise other people." --Will Schutz

The Human Element Advanced Training Program (THE: Phase-II) is an intensive two-week seminar, conducted, so far, by Dr. Will Schutz, the founder himself. It is aimed at: i) reinforcing the theme of Phase-I and deepening the understanding of the concepts and applications of The Human Element to individuals, teams, and organizations, and ii) training and certifying people to deliver these concepts. I did my Phase-II in June-July 1998, about three years after I had done Phase-I.

Dr. Will Schutz, erstwhile Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley Campus, developed The Human Element. The basic programme of The Human Element, an intensive five-day workshop, has been widely acknowledged as one of the most effective management training programmes ever created. The workshop includes brief lectures, experiential activities, self-assessment instruments, group feedback, and skills practice in team activities -- all with professional facilitation.

By providing an integrated approach to all human issues in an organization, The Human Element allows individuals and teams to focus on the underlying causes of behavior such as individuals' incompatibilities and rigidities that block successful performance. Based on the theory of FIRO (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation), the workshop offers a unique learning environment for exploring ways to improve team relations, productivity, effectiveness, profitability and leadership. Executives, managers, change agents, trainers, HR and OD professionals and people who want to improve their performance and relationships with others find the workshop useful.

My doctoral dissertation was an application, a modest one, of the FIRO theory. It was a year after my PhD that I took Phase-I of The Human Element training in Berkeley, USA. About three years later, in 1998, I took Phase-II at Muir Beach, California, USA. I attended an update on the subject in October-November 2000. Now I am making The Human Element workshop available to managers in India. If you are interested, you may contact me by e-mail.

During my visits to California, I spent some of my time visiting places and meeting friends. I took some pictures to remind myself of the moments I cherished. The pictures are not of high quality, but, if you want, you may view them by clicking the links, below: