Herons Categories of Interaction

Original Source: Prof John Heron (1977) University of Surrey

Directive (Push)

Prescribing (guiding) Informing (feedback) Challenging (radical candor)

Can I suggest? [pause] Can I share some feedback? [pause]
You should do x.....
I heard you say/I noticed you/I sense …..
I think you need to ……
Can I share some feedback? When you
From my experience, you must …. ………, the impact was ……., in future I
suggest …….
Can I challenge you? [pause]
What have you missed?
What do you need to let go of?
What has stopped you from doing something
already?

Exploring Releasing Supporting

That must have been tough for you. [pause]
What outcomes do you want? How are feeling about this?
I wonder, what else?
Sounds like you did a good job here.
What does it feel like saying that?
How might you do this?
Well done.
What will you do? Where is your confidence now?

Non-Directive (Pull)