TIFF is a validated psychometric tool based on the functional fluency model. It takes the form of a self-report questionnaire that measures functional fluency. It does not measure abilities or ‘type’ people. Indeed, an important feature of TIFF is that it provides a profile unique to the person on that occasion, not just an allocation of a category to belong to. This fact enhances TIFF’s potential as a potent tool for behavioural change.

The results provide a profile of a person’s behavioural tendencies and habits, both negative and positive, in a variety of situations and relationships. Expert feedback offers explanations of the model along with support and guidance for making use of the results. The insights gained from these discussions stimulate self-awareness and understanding, and encourage positive changes for increasing interpersonal effectiveness.

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 has some human failings. The empathic style in which the tool is administered is important in providing the non-judgmental and positive atmosphere necessary for optimum outcomes.

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 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 ‘before and after’ data collection in research projects.

Who can benefit from using TIFF?

• Individuals interested in developing their 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, at present, is designed for use with adults. Work is in hand to produce a version for adolescents, and translations into other languages have begun.

TIFF is available from licensed TIFF Providers, who are trained members of the TIFF Network.

TIFF as a 360 degree tool
TIFF Perspectives is the 360 degree version of the tool. The TIFF Perspectives exercise is particularly valuable in leadership and management training and appraisal work. The Perspectives profiles can be directly compared with the personal profiles created from doing the full TIFF questionnaire, enabling clients to see how other people’s impressions of their behaviour may be different or similar to their own.

This easy to use exercise also offers group benefits, with the possibility for colleagues, teams, couples or families, to create Perspectives profiles on each other. The exercise provides an objective framework for members to share subjective feelings and opinions about the other’s behaviour, and compare others’ impressions with their own profiles.

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 would 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) plus learning about the functional fluency model. [First session, up to one and a half hours].
2. Feedback on the results with planning for personal development. [Second session of up to one and a half hours].
3. Follow-up hour-long sessions using the TIFF framework, arranged as necessary.

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