In Predictive Index (PI), a factor combination describes how two primary drives interact to shape observable workplace behavior.
While each primary factor (A, B, C, D) tells us what motivates someone, factor combinations explain how those motivations collide, amplify, or moderate each other in real-world situations.
Think of it this way:
Primary factors = the headline
Factor combinations = the opening paragraph that pulls you in
They bring behavior to life.
One of the most talked-about combinations is A:D, often referred to as Risk.
High A + Low D → Comfort with risk, rapid decision-making, less concern for rules
Low A + High D → Risk-averse, cautious, prefers structure and clear guardrails
This matters—a lot.
Ask yourself:
Would you want a CFO who is highly comfortable with risk?
Or a compliance leader who dislikes structure?
Understanding risk tolerance through A:D is critical for:
Hiring decisions
Leadership placement
Succession planning
Coaching conversations
It’s also why we’ve created PI Hacks videos for every primary factor and factor combination—you’ll find links to all of them in the video descriptions.
Factor combinations are useful across almost every PI use case:
A PI readback is a structured conversation where you explain an individual’s PI results in a way that feels accurate, human, and actionable.
I was once taught:
“Primary factors are the headline. Factor combinations are the introduction that hooks the listener.”
But I’ve also learned from PI veterans—true PI gurus—who believe:
Factor combinations are more important than the primary drives and should come first.
Both approaches can work. The key is context.
Factor combinations reveal:
Internal tension (e.g., high A + high C)
Energy drains
Why certain feedback lands—or doesn’t
They help leaders understand why someone behaves inconsistently across situations.
This is where factor combinations really earn their keep.
Primary factors near the midpoint can be tricky:
Behavior may stretch depending on the situation
Predictions become less reliable
Job targets may feel “close but not quite right”
Factor combinations—especially wide ones—often provide clearer signals.
Many conflicts aren’t about values or intent—they’re about opposing factor combinations:
Speed vs. accuracy
Risk vs. caution
Independence vs. collaboration
Naming the combination helps depersonalize the conflict.
This is where it gets interesting.
Historically, PI training emphasized all combinations involving A (Dominance):
A:B
A:C
A:D
Why?
Because Dominance is considered to have the greatest impact on workplace behavior. In fact, the Management Strategy Guide in PI Inspire is built largely around A-based behaviors.
Another school of thought suggests:
Start with the widest factor combinations.
Why?
Wider combinations = more intense, predictable behavior
Narrow combinations near the midpoint = more situational stretch
Wider spreads often resonate more strongly in readbacks and job matching
This can be especially helpful when:
Hiring for critical roles
Designing job targets
Making high-stakes leadership decisions
So… What’s the Real Answer?
Wider factor combinations are often more useful
Combinations involving Dominance (A) tend to have the greatest impact
Context always matters
There isn’t one “most important” factor combination in isolation.
And maybe that’s not the clear, definitive answer people want—but it is the accurate one.
Understanding factor combinations gives you:
Better readbacks
Stronger coaching conversations
More accurate job targets
Faster conflict resolution
And if you want to go deeper, we’ve broken down every PI factor combination and primary factor in our PI Hacks video series—check the links in the description.
Now I’m curious:
👉 Which factor combinations do you find most powerful in your work?
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