The Human Element®

What is The Human Element® ?

The Human Element® is a process that aims at enhancing the effectiveness of teams and organizations through a better understanding of oneself and 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 encourages everyone to become aware of their behaviors, emotions, and choices. It helps them understand how these aspects influence relationships and effectiveness at work, thereby facilitating smoother collaboration.

Logo Element Humain

Human Element®

Explore The Human Element® approach

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 conducting research for the US Navy, Schutz developed the FIRO® model (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation), a theoretical framework for understanding human behavior in terms of inclusion, control, and openness.

Will Schutz, fondateur de l'élément humain

Efficient Teams thanks to authentic relationships

Over time, Schutz enriched and expanded this model to create the Human Element® approach, incorporating not only observable behaviors and feelings toward others in relationships, but also behaviors and feelings toward oneself. This approach is based on the idea that individual or collective blockages often stem from a failure to recognize one's own feelings. By helping individuals to better understand themselves and develop more authentic relationships, the Human Element® approach aims to strengthen team effectiveness while promoting personal well-being.

Accueillir un nouveau membre dans une équipe

The 4 Principles of the Human Element®

1

Presence, essential leadership quality

Being fully present to all the aspects of one's experience and being present to others is the prerequisite to any relationship

2

Truth, the driving force behing efficiency

La vérité agit comme un puissant simplificateur. En favorisant la transparence, elle améliore lefficacité des équipes, accélère les prises de décision et renforce les performances individuelles. À terme, cette approche conduit à des résultats plus rapides et plus rentables pour lentreprise.

3

Choice, responsibility and accountability at the heart of each interaction

Every interaction is based on choices, whether aknolowledged or not. This principle implies personal responsibility: everyone is an actor in their own decisions and circumstances. This approach values individual responsibility and autonomy in achieving goals.

4

Self-awareness for authentic relationships

By deepening our self-knowledge and strengthening our self-esteem, our behaviors become more rational and open. This awareness encourages authentic and balanced relationships, which are beneficial to collective performance.

The Human Element® approach®

The level of development of an organization or team is the level of development of its leader. The level of development of the leader is that of their fears.

Will Schutz - Créateur de l'Elément humain

Will SCHUTZ, 

Psychologist

Concrete benefits of the Human Element® approach®

Improve collaboration

Relationships based on trust facilitate team projects.

Reduce tensions and conflicts

By understanding everyone's needs and expectations, misunderstandings are less frequent.

Fostering innovation

Un climat ouvert permet aux idées nouvelles d’émerger plus facilement.

Reinforce engagement

Motivated teams that are aligned with the organization's values produce lasting results.

Jeunes personnes réfléchissant devant des post-it

Will Schutz's ideal organization

In Will Schutz's ideal organization, the goal is to create a climate that allows everyone to have the highest self-esteem, feeling significant, competent, and likeable. This climate promotes productivity and collective success. The table below illustrates the characteristical links between interpersonal relationships and organizational climate. This ideal perfectly reflects the principles of today's empowering organizations.

Individuals feel...

Relationships are...

Organization facilitate an atmosphere of...

Alive

Self-determined

Self-aware

Significant

Competent

Likable

Energetic

Mature

Honest

Ackowledged

Cooperative

Friendly

Participation

Empowerment

Openness

Recognition

Reward

Humanity

As an approach that is resolutely focused on the collective, the Human Element also makes it possible to take the pulse of the organization through the social and organizational climate survey, known as “Element O.”

Discover the trainings agenda

Boost your competences and transform your career

Training seminars on the Human Element approach

Our seminars are designed for leaders, managers and coaches who want to enrich their leadership and coaching practice:

  • Master the Human Element® approach: a process focused on corporate behavior and leadership.
  • Strengthen your self-awareness: learn how to build strong relationship dynamics for more effective teams.
  • Enjoy a stimulating learning environment: develop your skills in a welcoming setting.

Moreover

  • One place available for a young person aged 16 to 25: each seminar welcomes a young person who is motivated to improve their integration and teamwork skills.
  • Accessible to all: our training courses are adapted to people with disabilities, with the option of personalized support via partner organizations.

Join Transcendo for an enriching and transformative training experience!

Lac paisible entouré de montagnes

Our clients are satisfied!

Staisfaction rate of our trainings in 2024-2025

4,8/5

Clear objectives

5/5

Trainer's competence

4,9/5

Satisfaction rate