Understanding what drives people is the foundation of building strong teams, resilient cultures, and thriving businesses. At A.W. Companies, we leverage the Predictive Index (PI) to uncover the behavioral drives that influence how people work, interact, and succeed.
What Is the Predictive Index?
The Predictive Index is a scientifically validated talent optimization tool designed to help companies align talent with business strategy. More than just a personality test, PI offers data-backed insights into what motivates individuals—giving hiring managers and leaders a powerful edge.
By using the PI Behavioral Assessment, A.W. Companies helps clients make smarter hiring decisions and build cohesive teams. In fact, it gives us a consistent framework to answer key questions such as:
- What drives this person?
- How can we align those drives with your workplace environment?
The Four Core Drives That Shape Workplace Behavior
The Predictive Index focuses on four key behavioral drives. Understanding these drives gives you deeper insight into how individuals approach work, communicate, and make decisions.
1. Dominance – The Drive to Influence Results
This drive reflects a person’s desire to exert control over their environment. Those high in dominance tend to be assertive and independent. Conversely, individuals with lower dominance prefer collaboration and harmony.
Why it matters: Matching leadership roles with dominant personalities ensures confidence in decision-making. At the same time, less dominant individuals thrive in supportive, team-oriented environments.
2. Extraversion – The Drive for Social Interaction
People who score high in extraversion are outgoing, persuasive, and energized by others. In contrast, those with lower extraversion are more introspective and thrive in quieter settings.
Why it matters: Roles that require frequent interaction—like customer support or team leadership—suit high extraversion. On the other hand, analytical or independent roles may be a better match for low extraversion individuals.
3. Patience – The Drive for Stability
This drive indicates how much consistency and predictability someone needs. High-patience individuals prefer a steady pace, while those with lower patience excel in fast-changing, dynamic environments.
Why it matters: Understanding this drive ensures you place people in roles with the right level of structure—or spontaneity.
4. Formality – The Drive to Follow Rules and Structure
Those who score high on formality value accuracy, rules, and thorough planning. Meanwhile, individuals with low formality tend to be flexible, adaptable, and less bound by traditional processes.
Why it matters: Matching a person’s formality drive to the level of structure in the role leads to better performance and satisfaction.
Turning Insights Into Action
Once you understand these drives, you can make better decisions across the talent lifecycle. For instance, you can:
- Hire smarter by predicting job fit before the interview.
- Build stronger teams by balancing complementary traits.
- Improve communication by adapting your style to others’ natural preferences.
- Support growth by aligning leadership coaching with intrinsic motivators.
At A.W. Companies, we incorporate the Predictive Index throughout the recruitment process. This approach allows us to go beyond résumés and match candidates not just with roles—but with company culture.
The Human Value Behind the Science
Although PI is a data-driven platform, its purpose is deeply human. It gives leaders a better understanding of what makes people tick—and how to support them more effectively. Ultimately, it’s about creating environments where individuals can thrive because they feel seen and valued.
We don’t use assessments to put people in boxes. Rather, we use them to help unlock potential, clarify strengths, and guide long-term development.
Why A.W. Companies Integrates PI
We believe successful placement is about more than qualifications. It’s about aligning what drives people with what drives your business forward. That’s why every staffing solution we offer starts with a behavioral foundation and ends with a stronger, more adaptable team.
FAQ: Predictive Index and Human Drives
What’s the difference between the Predictive Index and a personality test?
The Predictive Index focuses on work-related behavior and is backed by decades of research. It offers actionable insights for hiring, team building, and leadership development.
How does A.W. Companies use the Predictive Index in hiring?
We evaluate candidate assessments against job profiles to ensure behavioral fit. This allows us to recommend candidates who are naturally aligned with the position.
Is the Predictive Index useful for current employees?
Absolutely. Many companies use PI to improve team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and develop leaders based on their behavioral strengths.
Ready to understand what drives your team?
Partner with A.W. Companies and unlock the full potential of your people through the power of the Predictive Index.
