BIFF for Lawyers and Law Staff
In navigating interactions with individuals exhibiting high-conflict personalities (HCPs), lawyers can employ the BIFF Response® method as a powerful tool for communication and conflict management. BIFF stands for Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm, and it serves as a structured approach to correspondence and dialogue with challenging individuals. By adhering to the principles of BIFF, lawyers can effectively convey information while minimizing opportunities for escalation.
Keep It Brief
The Brief aspect of BIFF emphasizes keeping communication concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary details or tangents that could fuel conflict. This approach helps to streamline interactions and prevent misunderstandings. Additionally, being Informative entails providing relevant information in a clear and objective manner, reducing opportunities for misinterpretation or manipulation by individuals with high-conflict personalities.
Maintain a Friendly Tone and Firmness
Maintaining a Friendly tone is another essential aspect of the BIFF method. While engaging with HCPs, lawyers can adopt a respectful and empathetic demeanor, fostering a more constructive atmosphere for communication. However, it's crucial to balance friendliness with Firmness, asserting boundaries and expectations firmly to prevent manipulation or exploitation of goodwill.
Navigate High-Conflict Interactions with BIFF
By incorporating the principles of BIFF into their communication strategies, lawyers can navigate interactions with high-conflict personalities more effectively, reducing the likelihood of escalation and facilitating productive dialogue. This structured approach empowers legal professionals to maintain control of the narrative while promoting clarity and professionalism in their dealings with challenging individuals.
BILL EDDY, LCSW, ESQ. is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute in San Diego, California. He pioneered the High Conflict Personality Theory (HCP) and is viewed globally as the leading expert on managing disputes involving people with high-conflict personalities. He has written more than twenty books on the topic, developed methods for managing high-conflict disputes, and has taught professionals in the U.S. and more than ten countries. He is also co-host of the popular podcast, It’s All Your Fault, and writes a popular blog on Psychology Today.
