The FIRO-B: Team Development – Wanted Control

When working with teams, the FIRO-B can provide useful insights into how each person likes to work with others.  The items below are quite likely to be true for you the higher your score on a scale is.  If you scored at seven or above, you probably demonstrate these behaviors very often.  If you scored two or less, you probably rarely do these things.  Of course, those in the middle will likely do them to varying degrees, depending on the situation.

This time we'll discuss Wanted Control and how people with high scores are likely to act on a team.

Those who score highest on Wanted Control will likely stick closely to established procedures, set and meet deadlines, ask for and give clear directions, and bring up items for discussion by the team.  These people will usually want role clarity on the team, a high level of order, and internal consistency. 

High scorers frequently ask other team members for help and guidance. They will also likely try to get other team members to act in the same manner, or reinforce those who exhibit the same behavior.  For example, they are likely to be time-conscious, want to reach a decision after a discussion, and focus on goal attainment.

Most people will share the above traits to some degree.  However, it's likely that this style will dominate for some people more than others.  Your score on the scales should indicate which style is the preferred one for you.