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The PI Halloween Edition: Your candy picks say a lot about you

For better or worse, the neighborhood trick-or-treaters know who’s hawking full-size Snickers… and who’s sending them off with apples. 

The way you feel about either of those items might be based on your behavioral preferences. At PI, we use behavioral data daily, so naturally, we wanted to have a little fun with it this Halloween season.

We’ve covered costumes. Now it’s time to attach a Halloween handout to each Reference Profile derived from the PI Behavioral Assessment. So we’ve selected candies that connect to each profile’s strengths. 

In the spirit of the spooky season, let’s get into our bag…

Adapter: All sorts of chocolate

Chocolate comes in all shapes and sizes, reflecting the ease with which an Adapter can flex in different situations. Whether you prefer it in bar or nugget form, dark or soft and extra sweet, the Adapter of the candy world can cater to your needs.

Altruist: Lifesavers

Altruists often look to see how they can help others, so a candy that’s literally called a Lifesaver is the natural choice. Lifesavers are efficient, generally well-liked, and can be used as a cough drop – mirroring the versatility of an Altruist. 

Analyzer: Gobstoppers

This treat requires discipline and patience. It’s not a shareable candy – in fact it’s a solitary activity, taking time to disassemble, and discipline to digest. Apropos of the Analyzer’s traits.

Artisan: Candy Corn

Just as Candy Corn stands out with its unique visual appeal, Artisans bring innovative, eye-catching ideas to the workplace. Their flavor and texture may not be for everyone, but there’s no denying the aesthetic enhancements they offer. 

Captain: Starburst

Bold and bursting with flavor, Starbursts come in a variety of flavors. Captains love variety, preferring to work on a range of projects. They often like to take control, too, making the evenly portioned, cleanly wrapped Starburst an ideal handout. 

Collaborator: M&Ms

The Collaborator is a social profile, so it’s natural they’d select a shareable candy – one that comes with enough for all your friends (and in all of their favorite colors). A true crowd-pleaser.

Controller: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? The tried-and-true Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup uses a clear recipe to craft the perfect treat every time. Controllers, like Reese’s, may not be flashy, but they consistently deliver quality and reliability in their specialized area of expertise. Plus, the Peanut Butter Cup is precisely portioned, just the way the Controller prefers it.

Guardian: Werther’s Originals

The ultimate approachable candy – everyone likes Werther’s because they’re comforting. Guardians are willing to share with anyone, and they appreciate the relative risk/reward of handing out butterscotch. 

Individualist: Twizzlers

Twizzlers have a unique shape and unconventional texture, just like an Individualist, who confidently expresses their distinct ideas. They’re flexible, yet strong-willed, and their tastes may not be for everyone – but they’re steady and even, sure to get the job done. 

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Maverick: Warheads

Never afraid to stand out or take risks, the Maverick takes pride in being different from the rest. Their taste is not for the weak – Mavericks are undaunted by failure and eager to challenge status quo. So steer clear of the Maverick’s house if you can’t handle the heat of the Warhead.

Operator: Jolly Rancher

No big surprises or complex layers here. Jolly Ranchers are steady and straightforward. They may have a tough exterior, but Operators prefer environments with clearly defined processes and structures, even if they’re initially tougher to crack. 

Persuader: Pop Rocks

Not the most quiet candy – the Persuader and the Pop Rock both strive for impact, being sure their voice is heard. They appeal to your personal preferences (i.e., your sweet tooth), and make their presence felt. They rock. 

Promoter: Skittles

The saying “Share the rainbow” is familiar to Skittles and Promoters alike. Just as the colorful candy encourages you to share a vibrant experience, Promoters exhibit their own lively energy, striving to uplift those around them. Skittles perfectly align with the Promoter profile because they’re bold, colorful, and fun, capturing the essence of enthusiasm and social engagement.

Scholar: Smarties

Scholars are analytical, thoughtful, and focused on gathering knowledge – just like Smarties, which are evenly spaced and neatly organized. Scholars excel at breaking down complex ideas into digestible pieces, much as Smarties deliver quick, concentrated bursts of sweetness in carefully measured portions.

Specialist: Tootsie Pops

The Specialist is results-oriented, driven toward the reward that’s at the center of the Tootsie Pop. The goal is clear here, and the Specialist suggests you waste no time or energy, methodically making your way toward the payoff. How many licks does it take to get there? Ask a Specialist.

Strategist: Mini mints

Always savvy, the Strategist may zig where others zag. They’re thinking longer-term hygiene here, and like a mint, they bring a refreshing perspective on how to get things done quickly and accurately. Their sharp focus on key objectives creates long-lasting strategies that yield enduring results – not unlike that mint you might use to mask your peanut butter breath.

Venturer: Sour Patch Kids

First they’re sour (or strong-minded), then they’re sweet: the Venturer is driven by their passion and willingness to try new ideas. Sour Patch kids, similarly, deliver a smack to the face, followed shortly thereafter by a hug for your taste buds.

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