The Maverick is one of the most visionary and daring Predictive Index® reference profiles. It combines high dominance with strong extraversion and great flexibility, making it an innovative, influential profile with a remarkably high tolerance for risk.
This article details the behavioural characteristics of the Maverick profile, its strengths, motivations, points to watch, the roles where it thrives, and management best practice. It is part of our series covering the 17 Predictive Index® reference profiles, decoded by Proactive Signs, certified Predictive Index® partner in France.
The Maverick at work…
The Maverick is a visionary who wants to achieve what has never been achieved before. Not particularly attached to the status quo, they enjoy shaking things up. Innovative, influential, bold and direct, they adjust quickly to changing conditions, generate new ideas on the fly, and handle fluid situations well. Independent, confident and decisive, they generally respond positively to pressure, assured in their ability to handle most people and problems. They have a stimulating influence on others, direct and determined, while remaining relatively flexible.
Positioning of the Maverick profile on the 4 behavioural factors
The Maverick profile is characterised by a specific combination of the 4 behavioural factors measured by the PI Behavioral Assessment®. This behavioural signature reflects the person’s deep-seated motivations and their natural way of approaching work.
Factor A · Dominance: High
The Maverick shows high dominance, a marker of a very assertive temperament, geared towards control, competition and challenge. They enjoy taking on challenges, making decisions and defending their ideas with conviction. This strong dominance fuels their ambition and their ability to shake up the status quo.
Factor B · Extraversion: High
The Maverick shows high extraversion: they are sociable, communicative and at ease in interaction. They exert a stimulating influence on others and know how to rally people around their ideas. This extraversion, combined with their dominance, makes them a visionary leadership profile focused on influence and change.
Factor C · Patience: Low to moderate
The Maverick shows low-to-moderate patience: they are in a hurry and fast-paced, focused on quickly accomplishing what matters. They adjust quickly to changing situations and cope poorly with slowness. This need for pace fuels their energy and their ability to act under uncertainty.
Factor D · Formality: Low
The Maverick shows low formality, meaning they are spontaneous, improvisational and not particularly attached to established rules and structures. They readily step outside the framework, experiment, and don’t like being slowed down by procedures. It is this factor that gives the Maverick their non-conforming, innovative signature.
Key strengths of the Maverick profile
The Maverick’s major strengths are their adaptability, sense of innovation and ability to act fast.
They think outside the box, handle change well and are strongly execution-oriented. Their direct communication style and willingness to take risks make them effective in fast-paced environments where quick decisions and creative solutions are needed. They are a driver of innovation who challenges conventional approaches and moves teams forward.
Points to watch for the Maverick profile
The Maverick’s points to watch relate to their appetite for risk and speed. Their preference for speed and flexibility can create tension in highly structured or detail-oriented teams. Their low formality can lead them to neglect procedures and follow-up. Their boldness can push them to take risks that more cautious profiles would consider excessive. Finally, their direct style can clash in environments that favour diplomacy.
How to manage a Maverick profile effectively?
A manager who wants to get the best from the Maverick profile must offer them flexibility and minimise unnecessary rules and constraints. They perform best when given autonomy and the ability to move quickly. An effective manager focuses on clear priorities and results, while leaving room for experimentation and fast decision-making.
💡 The right management move: overly rigid processes limit their effectiveness and should be avoided.
How to communicate with a Maverick profile?
To communicate effectively with a Maverick profile, be direct, dynamic and open to experimentation. They appreciate quick exchanges, new ideas and people who don’t let themselves be boxed in by process. Rigid instructions, slow meetings or excessive control irritate them. It is best to give them a direction and let them innovate in their own way.
Roles where the Maverick profile thrives
The Maverick profile thrives in roles that combine vision, innovation and fast action. They excel in entrepreneurship, innovation leadership, business development, transformation project leadership, launching new ventures or leadership roles in fast-evolving environments. They are particularly suited to disruptive contexts where they need to invent, decide quickly and shake up established models.
Complementary Predictive Index® profiles in a team
The Maverick profile benefits from being paired in a team with profiles that bring the structure, follow-through and stability they do not naturally prioritise. The Operator or the Guardian ensure consistent execution and adherence to procedures. The Analyzer or the Specialist bring analytical rigour and data-backed validation of decisions. The Altruist or the Collaborator soften their direct style and maintain cohesion. This complementarity allows the Maverick to focus on innovation and vision while relying on profiles that secure execution.
The Operator
Ensures consistent execution and adherence to procedures.
The Guardian
Secures follow-up and day-to-day stability.
The Analyzer
Brings analytical rigour and data-backed validation of decisions.
Frequently asked questions about the Maverick profile
Yes, the Maverick can be an excellent visionary leader, particularly in innovation, transformation or entrepreneurial contexts. Their ability to decide quickly and shake up the status quo makes them a driver of change. They should, however, surround themselves with profiles that secure execution and follow-up detail.
The best-suited roles for a Maverick profile are those that combine vision and action: entrepreneurship, innovation leadership, business development, transformation project leadership, launching new ventures or leadership in disruptive environments.
Both profiles are independent and willing to take risks, but the Maverick shows high extraversion, making them an influencer and visionary leader, while the Venturer is more reserved and focused on independent action. The Maverick rallies others around their ideas, the Venturer tends to move forward on their own.