The 17 Predictive Index® Reference Profiles: Understand Each Personality Type in the Workplace
What is a Predictive Index® Reference Profile?
A Predictive Index® Reference Profile is the combined result of responses to the PI Behavioral Assessment®, the Predictive Index behavioral assessment. Each profile describes a typical behavioral pattern: the way a person approaches their work, makes decisions, interacts with others, and motivates themselves on a daily basis. The 17 profiles were developed based on more than 60 years of psychometric research applied to the workplace, supported by more than 500 scientific validity studies. They do not define what a person “is” in absolute terms, but provide a common language for discussing workplace behaviors and streamlining HR decisions.
The 4 behavioral factors measured
Measures the need to control one's environment, influence others, and achieve one's goals.
Measures the need for social interaction, connection, and communication with others.
Indicates a need for stability, consistency, and a regular pace in the work environment.
Measures the need for compliance with established rules, standards, and structures.
💡 The unique combination of these four factors allows us to assign an individual one of the 17 Predictive Index® reference profiles, which summarize the major behavioral types observed in the workplace.
The 17 Predictive Index® Reference Profiles in Detail
Gather all the facts before making a decision, and avoid relying on intuition.
Has in-depth knowledge of a technical field and provides reliable expertise.
Develops ambitious plans and anticipates future developments.
Explores topics in depth and develops cross-functional expertise.
Puts their energy to work for others and helps relationships run more smoothly.
It energizes people and brings teams together around a common goal.
Consistently and reliably contributes to the team's performance.
Motivates and engages stakeholders around a vision or a project.
Has a thorough understanding of procedures and ensures consistent quality.
Ensures compliance with rules and the stability of processes.
Produces flawless work and refuses to settle for anything less than perfection.
It adapts its operation to the context and serves as a bridge between styles.
Unites teams and leads efforts with authority and vision.
Think outside the box and come up with disruptive ideas.
Is self-motivated and thrives in changing environments.
It offers original ideas and works best when given some leeway.
Leads teams with firmness and focuses on achieving objectives.
How to Identify Your Predictive Index® Profile?
To identify your reference profile, you must take the PI Behavioral Assessment®, the Predictive Index behavioral assessment. This questionnaire is taken online, takes 5 to 10 minutes, and requires no preparation: simply answer spontaneously and honestly to obtain a profile that accurately reflects your natural behavior. The analysis maps the individual against the four behavioral factors and assigns them one of 17 profiles. Interpretation by a certified consultant is essential for translating the results into concrete actions for recruitment, management, or team development.
How Can Companies Use PI Reference Profiles?
Predictive Hiring
Management and Team Engagement
Team Building
Employee Development
Learn How to Interpret Predictive Index® Profiles
Interpreting PI profiles requires a precise methodology. To fully leverage the 17 profiles in your HR decisions, the Predictive Index® certification enables HR directors, executives, and HR consultants to master the interpretation of the graphs, their application in recruitment, management, and team development, as well as the delivery of feedback sessions. Proactive Signs offers the Predictive Index® professional certification in five modules, with in-person sessions in Paris and Lyon, along with personalized support before, during, and after the training.Frequently Asked Questions About Predictive Index® Reference Profiles
The Predictive Index® reference profile remains relatively stable over time because it reflects deep-seated motivations. However, it may change slightly depending on professional experiences (management roles, job demands, personal changes). It is recommended that you retake the PI Behavioral Assessment® every 3 to 5 years to capture any potential changes.
No. A Predictive Index® reference profile is a framework for understanding, not a label. It describes dominant behavioral tendencies, but each person retains the ability to adapt their behavior depending on the situation. The profile serves as a tool to aid HR decision-making—never as a judgment.
The DISC assesses only four behavioral traits (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance). The Predictive Index® assesses four behavioral factors AND one cognitive dimension (learning ability via the PI Cognitive Assessment®), making it a more comprehensive tool for strategic HR decisions. The 17 PI profiles also offer greater granularity than the four basic DISC profiles.
Technically, the PI Behavioral Assessment® is not a test in the strict sense: it does not produce a score based on right or wrong answers. It is an assessment that describes a person’s natural motivations and behaviors. For this reason, Predictive Index® recommends using the term “assessment” rather than “test.”
To determine your PI profile, you’ll take the online PI Behavioral Assessment®, which takes 5 to 10 minutes, at the invitation of a Predictive Index®-certified consultant. The results must then be interpreted by a certified consultant in order to be useful in a professional context.
Proactive Signs offers a Predictive Index® professional certification program consisting of five modules, delivered in in-person sessions in Paris and Lyon. This training is designed for HR directors, executives, and HR consultants who wish to master the interpretation of the 17 profiles and their practical application in recruitment, management, and team development.