Combinations AD: Risk

A:D COMFORTABLE OR CAUTIOUS WITH RISK

The A and D factor combination tells us how a person views risk. This helps you understand how much detailed information and how much encouragement a person may need, or how much freedom and opportunities to take risk they want.

• If someone’s A is higher than their D, they’re considered comfortable with risk. The high A means they’re venturesome and competitive while the low D means they’re spontaneous and flexible, so risk is viewed as an exciting challenge or opportunity.

• If someone’s D is higher than their A, they’re considered cautious with risk. The high D means they’re careful, cautious, and diligent, while the low A means they’re deferential and compliant, so risk can be worrisome and cause someone to be more conservative in their approach.

A=D Conflict – when Dominance (A) and Formality (D) collide

The Dominance (A) and Formality (D) relationship is all about risk. When the A and D factors are clearly high or low from each other, it’s easy to determine how someone views risk.

But, this factor combination has an extra special relationship, which we call the A=D conflict, which occurs when someone’s A and D are right on top of each other.

Think about the Dominance (A) factor as a gas pedal and the Formality (D) factor as the brake. When these factors are aligned with each other, it can cause situations where it takes longer for a person to come to a decision because they have their foot on the gas and the brake.

When this happens, the person might need more information, or maybe assistance with narrowing down the options, or also feeling that they have support even if they make an incorrect next step. 

A > D | Comfortable with Risk

• Independent

• Individualistic

• Self-confident

• Firm

• Decisive

• Venturesome

• Resistant to authority

D > A | Cautious with Risk

• Cooperative

• Supportive

• Willing and helpful

• Need for rules and structure

• Accurate and careful

• Concerned about criticism

• Conservative

Workplace Behaviors

A>D Comfortable with Risk

• Perception of Risk: Risk = Opportunity, bring it on, it’s fun!

• Decision Making: Quickly, easily

• Need for Rules and Processes: Minimal, rules are just “suggestions”

• Generalist vs. Specialist: Generalist

D>A Cautious with Risk

• Perception of Risk: Wants to mitigate/protect, worrisome

• Decision Making: Carefully, cautiously

• Need for Rules and Processes: Strong need, needs clarity around rules

• Generalist vs. Specialist: Specialist