When you think of Pixar, you probably think of classic films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, or Inside Out. But these films are more than just entertainment. They are stories that touch something deep within you, no matter your age.
A key ingredient is how Pixar stories and the Process Communication Model® (PCM) come together. By consciously working with Personality Types, characters emerge that truly resonate – recognizable, human, and relatable.
The model behind the magic
PCM is based on one fundamental idea: everyone is made up of a unique mix of six Personality Types. For most of us, one type is often more dominant: it influences how we see the world, connect with others, and react under pressure.
The six PCM Personality Types are:
- Structured Thinker – logical, organized, precise
- Perseverer – driven, values-driven, observant
- Rebel – spontaneous, playful, creative
- Dreamer – reflective, calm, independent
- Promoter – decisive, persuasive, pragmatic
- Harmonizer – warm, empathetic, people-oriented
We all carry these six energies within us in varying proportions. This explains why people react differently to the same message – and why communication, whether in films or organizations, only works when you tailor it to the other person.
Yes: Pixar writers use PCM – and you can see it immediately
Few people know that Pixar screenwriters are trained in PCM. But once you know this, you can't unsee it: characters are deliberately based on one or more Personality Types. This way, someone in the audience always feels seen, understood, and connected.
Consider Finding Nemo. Dory – with her playful impulsiveness, charm, and humor – clearly radiates Rebel energy: light, funny, spontaneous. Yet, she occasionally surprises us with moments of sharpness and logic, which align with the energy of the Structured Thinker.
Because many people easily tap into their Rebel energy, an immediate connection is formed.
That's no coincidence – it's strategy. Pixar uses a communication model that deliberately builds emotional connections with every type of energy in the audience.
The power of Pixar's stories lies in this:
they don't just write stories,
they forge emotional connections.
Why this approach works everywhere
Many storytellers, leaders, or coaches primarily communicate from their own most comfortable energy. While this feels natural, it often means you miss connecting with a large part of your audience.
Pixar bypasses this by deliberately creating characters that together represent all six energies. The more diversity in energies, the greater the chance that a story will resonate with everyone.
That's why Pixar films not only remain successful in cinemas but also live on from generation to generation.
For coaches, HR professionals, and content creators, the lesson is clear: address all six energies, and expand your reach.
PCM goes beyond other models (and here's why)
Many communication or personality models categorize people. While this provides clarity, it often lacks depth. PCM takes a different approach. The model is:
- dynamic: it shows how behavior changes during times of stress.
- practical: you can apply it directly in conversations.
- widely applicable: from Hollywood scripts to the daily work of leaders and coaches.
PCM provides insight into the complexity of human interaction, without becoming complicated.
From Pixar to everyday practice
You don't need to be a scriptwriter to use PCM. Whether you're a coach, trainer, HR professional, or team leader, PCM helps you recognize a person's most available energy, tailor your communication to their psychological needs, and formulate messages that resonate with everyone – not just those who are similar to you.
So, the next time you watch a Pixar movie, ask yourself: “Which character resonated with me the most, and why?”. It's very likely that character reflects the energy most available to you – or perhaps the energy you would ideally like to have.
