Strategy 1
Principled Perfectionist
- Desire
- Goodness, integrity and being at peace with yourself
- Fear
- Making a mistake, failing and being bad inside
Strategy 9
Calm Mediator
- Desire
- Inner peace and harmony
- Fear
- Conflict, separation, and loss of connection
Why People Confuse Them
They're neighbours, so it's mainly a question of which is the main strategy and which is the wing: a Nine with a One wing, or a One with a Nine wing? Both tend to be idealistic, thoughtful and a little reserved. Neither is comfortable with their anger.
What the Difference Is
The easiest thing to watch is their relationship with conflict. The Nine wants peace in life. Even with strong convictions, they won't argue about them, especially with people they care about. For the One, principle comes first, and they'll happily start an argument over it to convince the other person.
The Nine can work, but is easily talked into a break and finds it hard to switch between rest and activity. The One finds it hard to tear themselves away from work, and idleness makes them nervous because the inner critic pipes up right away. Under pressure, the Nine first withdraws and digs in, then becomes anxious. The One first tries even harder to persuade, then shuts down into a sullen, bitter mood.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- When you disagree with someone close to you, what do you do?
1More likely a One if you say so and explain why you're right.
9More likely a Nine if you'd rather let it go to avoid a fight.
- How do you feel on a day off with no obligations?
1More likely a One if you get restless and soon find something that needs doing.
9More likely a Nine if you enjoy it and then find it hard to get going again.
- What happens to you when you're under pressure for a long time?
1More likely a One if you push even harder at first and then become irritable and sour.
9More likely a Nine if you disconnect at first and then start to feel restless and anxious.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot a One →How to Spot a Nine →How They Work Together in a Relationship →