Interpersonal Needs and Coaching Questions

The questions are divided into three sections, each section related to one of the three interpersonal needs identified by Schutz (see description of each need in the section following this list of coaching questions). You might also wish to use Schutz’ FIRO-B instrument in conjunction with your coaching session. This instrument is available from CPP, a major test publishing firm (www.cpp.com/products/firo-b/inc).

Inclusion (In/Out)

• When you (client/team member) enter a new group, what do you look for in deciding if you want to be a member of the group or at least an active, highly motivated member of the group?
• When you want to be a member of a group, what do you tend to do in order to gain acceptance from other members of this group.
•  When you don’t “really” want to be a member of a specific group, but have to “hang around” in this group, what is your pattern of behavior?

Control (Up/Down)

• When do you look forward to being influential in a group? What are the characteristics of the group that make you want to influence its processes and/or outcomes?
• When are you most likely (most able) to be influential in a group? What are the characteristics of the group that enable you to be influential?
• When are you most likely to be influenced by other members of the group? What are the characteristic(s) of the group member(s) that makes them influential? What are the conditions operating in the group that make you amenable to the influence of other group members?