Understand People Better. Communicate Smarter.
The Process Communication Model (PCM) shows how people prefer to communicate, what motivates them, and how we behave under stress.
What is PCM?
The Process Communication Model (PCM) is a practical, research‑based method that helps you adapt your message, build trust fast, and prevent conflict. Created by Dr. Taibi Kahler—an award‑winning American clinical psychologist whose work has been used by NASA—PCM distills six personality types, their needs, and stress patterns into tools you can use immediately.
Used by leaders, educators, and teams worldwide.
Why PCM Matters
We've all worked with someone whose communication just doesn't click — or seen teams clash, not from lack of skill, but lack of understanding.
PCM gives leaders, HR professionals, and teams practical tools to:
Whether you manage people, collaborate across functions, or simply want to connect better, PCM offers a proven way to do it.
Adapt Your Language
Adjust your communication so others best hear you
Build Trust Fast
Meet core psychological needs to establish rapport quickly
Spot Distress Early
Identify stress signals and realign conversations proactively
Resolve Conflict
Address issues before they escalate into major problems
How PCM Works
PCM provides a structured framework for understanding communication through channels, psychological needs, distress patterns, and personality types. Each element works together to help you connect more effectively with others.
The Six Personality Types
Each type has unique strengths, communication preferences, and needs
Perceptual Channels
Match your message to the person's preferred channel for immediate clarity
Feelings
Nurturative, compassionate communication
💡 Show warmth and care
Thoughts
Logical, data-driven exchange
💡 Present facts and information
Opinions
Values-based, conviction-oriented
💡 Respect beliefs and principles
Inactions (Reflection)
Quiet, contemplative space
💡 Allow time for processing
Reactions (Playful)
Spontaneous, fun interactions
💡 Keep it light and engaging
Actions
Direct, results-focused
💡 Get to the point quickly
Psychological Needs
Fuel before feedback — meeting needs increases engagement and prevents distress
Recognition of Work
Acknowledgment of accomplishments and quality
Recognition of Person
Appreciation for who they are as individuals
Purpose
Meaningful work aligned with values
Space
Time alone for reflection and recharging
Playful Contact
Fun, lighthearted interactions
Challenge
Excitement, action, and new experiences
Distress Sequence
Understanding the progression of stress helps you intervene early
Early Warning
Subtle changes in communication patterns
Escalating
More pronounced behavioral shifts
Critical
Significant distress behaviors emerge
Severe
Full distress sequence activated
💡 De‑escalation tip: Acknowledge the preferred perception, then offer the next small, doable step.
PCM in Practice
Real-world applications across industries and contexts
Scientific Foundations
Built on decades of research and real-world validation
Developed by Dr. Taibi Kahler; Eric Berne Memorial Scientific Award (1977)
Adopted by NASA for astronaut selection and training
Supported by contemporary studies on perception and training effectiveness
Ready to see PCM in action?
Experience the tools live and leave with a personal communication playbook.