What Makes Lifo Different?

ByKim Hill

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 collaboration
  • Building on and utilizing strengths
  • Coping with change
  • Job and career satisfaction
  • On-the-job training
  • Increasing morale at all levels of an organization
  • Conflict management
  • Organizational effectiveness and culture
  • Appreciating diversity
  • Licensing Opportunities

Individual Solutions

  • Personal development
  • Increasing effective behavior, personal productivity, and well-being
  • Improved performance
  • Better relationships
  • Contribution to group and team
  • Effective leadership
  • Increased resilience
  • Negotiating and selling
  • Coaching skills
  • Student learning
  • Time management
  • Stress 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.