What Makes Lifo Different?

1. Strengths-Based

The LIFO method focuses on strengths, and on what is right about leaders, teams and individuals. This approach is not about changing oneself. Rather it promotes positive behavioral change by providing strategies for managing strengths effectively, resulting in greater versatility and productivity. This approach also encourages appreciating and working with others whose strengths are different. Accepting people for who they also reduce friction and allows teams to make the most of everyone’s strengths.

2. Not A Typecast

The LIFO method identifies behavioral style preferences, not personality types. It is “what we do”, as opposed not “who we are”. All styles have the ability to do everything, it is just a question of approach. Understanding one’s preferred style and strengths opens doors to exploring and rethinking how to approach different situations, assigned tasks, desired goals, etc. To reiterate, everyone has strengths, it is how one uses these strengths, their preference, that makes them different from another. How much a person uses each strength, the specific ratio and combination of strengths, is what makes each person unique.

3. Multifaceted Application

The LIFO Method can be/and has been used in training, coaching, consulting, organizational development as well as a tool for personal development. Here are some examples:

Organizational Solutions

Teamwork and collaborationBuilding on and utilizing strengthsCoping with changeJob and career satisfactionOn-the-job trainingIncreasing morale at all levels of an organizationConflict managementOrganizational effectiveness and cultureAppreciating diversityLicensing Opportunities

Individual Solutions

Personal developmentIncreasing effective behavior, personal productivity, and well-beingImproved performanceBetter relationshipsContribution to group and teamEffective leadershipIncreased resilienceNegotiating and sellingCoaching skillsStudent learningTime managementStress management

4. Simple, but Deep

Behavior under Favorable and Unfavorable Conditions

The LIFO Method does not assume that people behave the same when in favorable and unfavorable conditions. In fact, half or more of those who complete the LIFO Survey have very a different mix of preferred behavioral styles when seen through the lenses of favorable and unfavorable conditions. The LIFO method identifies behavioral styles in both favorable and unfavorable conditions, giving insight and awareness to assist in managing strengths in different situations.

Congruence Increases Clarity in Communication

The LIFO method also has a feature that identifies the difference between a person’s intended behavior (Intention), actual behavior (Behavior), and perceived behavioral impact on others (Impact). Sometimes the Impact on others does not match the person’s Intention, causing confusion and unintended friction. Having congruence between one’s Intention, Behavior, and Impact will increase clarity in communication and maximize one’s positive impact. Being aware of the differences enables one to become aware of what is being communicated at different levels, increasing the effectiveness of one’s communication strategies.
When one is congruent, others relax. They feel confident that what is said and what done is are aligned. People also feel that they are understood clearly, making cooperation easier.

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