TIFF is a thoroughly researched and validated personal development tool based on the Functional Fluency model. It takes the form of a self-report questionnaire that can be completed online (English, German or Dutch) or on a paper version.

TIFF is available from licensed TIFF Providers in the UK, Germany or Holland. They are trained members of the TIFF Network and supported by the Fluent Self Company. See the Making Contact page.

TIFF, at present, is designed for use with adults. A study to explore the possibility of a version for adolescents, and trials of using the adult version with older young people, have already taken place.

Using the Functional Fluency model, the profiles give a 'snapshot' of a person’s behavioural patterns, tendencies and habits, showing how he or she is inclined to use energy in social interactions. Expert feedback offers understanding of both model and profiles along with support and guidance for turning insights into action for change that will increase effectiveness and reduce stress.

What is special about TIFF^© as a personal development tool?
Motivation for change is promoted by the empathic and encouraging style of the whole exercise, which is accepting of the fact that no one is perfect, and that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. The emphasis is on the positive because research shows this is the best way to fire up energy for change and development. Clients learn how to expand and enrich what they already do well. Research also shows that this way of working also helps with transforming those behaviours that are counter-productive.

• The feedback process is based on personal contact and does not use computer-generated commentary, as each profile is unique.
• Clients learn about the Functional Fluency model and how to use it as well as exploring their own profiles.
• Feedback is co-created and collaborative. Clients are not told what the profiles mean, instead these are explored together to build the understanding that brings hope, courage and motivation for change.
• Clients can continue to use the framework for themselves following initial feedback. This can also enhance further coaching if needed.

TIFF^© puts the personal back into personal development.

• TIFF is not a test, an evaluation or an assessment. It gives an accurate snapshot of present behaviour.
• TIFF profiles are about the person's ways of behaving, not about the actual person.
• No typing or categorising of people.
• No comparing of scores with 'norms' – no judgements.
• The client is in the driving seat and creates the action plan.

Ongoing personal development
TIFF frameworks for ongoing personal development are available for supporting work following the initial feedback session. These enable a focus on each of the Functional Fluency modes in turn, with guidance on how to develop or transform particular behaviours.

There are two parallel, or equivalent, questionnaires so that clients can do a repeat profiling, if desired and appropriate. This provision also facilitates a uniquely rich style of 'before and after' data collection for a variety of situations.

Who can benefit from using TIFF^©?

• Individuals interested in developing their own self-management and interpersonal skills.
• People wanting to focus on leadership development and enhance their empowering behaviours.
• Leaders and managers.
• Teams and staff groups.
• Teachers, trainers, coaches, facilitators and mentors.
• Workers in the helping professions.
• Parents and families wanting to get along better together.
• Counsellors and psychotherapists.

TIFF Perspectives^© for teams, groups or couples
The TIFF Perspectives aim is to expand the mutual awareness and understanding of people who work or live together closely, in order to enhance relationships and develop effectiveness. It is particularly valuable in leadership and management training, team development and family counselling.

The Perspectives profiles are generated by participants on each other, following full TIFF feedback for each person. The profiles enable participants to reflect on each other's impressions of their behaviour and how these may be different or similar to their own. Structured exercises and conversation enable increasing mutual understanding that helps in turn to develop mutual respect and empathy between participants. The team, group or couple benefits from the growing trust and cooperation engendered by the process.

What do people learn from TIFF^©?
They learn to balance their energy effectively in relating to others, developing their positive behaviour patterns and transforming those that are counterproductive.

They learn:

• How to reduce stress by the rebalancing of their energy.
• How to use authority so that every one benefits.
• How to care without becoming worn out.
• How misunderstandings happen and how to avoid them.
• How to stay more objective and not jump to conclusions.
• How to enjoy being an individual in their own right.
• How to get along better with others, both at work and play.

What does the process involve?
1. Completion of TIFF (20 – 30 minutes) online or with paper version.
2. Learning about the Functional Fluency model.
3. Feedback on the TIFF profiles with a licensed TIFF Provider, with action planning.
4. Follow-up sessions, as appropriate, for personal development.

 

TIFF^© as a tool for our time
With a World Health Organisation prediction that by the year 2020 major depression/anxiety will be second to heart disease as a cause of disability, organisations and businesses have started to focus on their Social Sustainability. Corporate Service Responsibility (CSR) audits are being undertaken in companies. Those with a focus on Human Resources are a development of the previous 'Investment in People' frameworks.

Developing Functional Fluency using TIFF provides effective follow-up to a company CSR audit; an antidote to the depression and anxiety that can sap energy and initiative. TIFF is a fundamentally different sort of psychometric tool that uses a practical focus for building on present strengths to:

• boost morale
• save energy
• reduce stress
• increase effectiveness
• build confident communication and positive relationships

A functionally fluent organisation maximises both the effectiveness and the health of its members in order to deliver the success it aims for. 'Is the culture of our organisation part of the problem or part of the solution?' is the question to ask.

Click for information about TIFF Providers

Download a leaflet with full details of TIFF, the personal development tool. 

Originator of the Functional Fluency model and TIFF
Susannah Temple has been developing the concept of Functional Fluency for many years, and in 2002 gained a doctorate for her creation of The Temple Index of Functional Fluency (TIFF^©) that included the validation of the Functional Fluency model. She has had a long career in education in a wide variety of schools, community and adult education settings. Her focus throughout has been on human development and how to enhance positive learning for life. Susannah was a schools counsellor for seven years, then ran her own psychotherapy practice and worked as a child therapist for the local Joint Agencies Child Abuse Team. Susannah is a certified educational transactional analyst. She designed and taught the educational TA modules on the Integrated Masters Programme of the Faculty of Arts and Education at the University of Plymouth over a ten-year period. The Functional Fluency model is a development from this practical application of TA theory. Susannah’s doctoral research, culminating in TIFF, won a European Association of Transactional Analysis silver medal in 2003. Since then she has built up the TIFF Network, devised systems for training TIFF Providers and administering the Network, and in 2005, with Gary Prosser, created TIFF Online. Read more about the developments of the the 'post 2002 decade'.